Kentucky's defense failed to make key plays against Vanderbilt. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky’s offense has received a lot of criticism for its performance while the UK defense has been praised as one of the best in the SEC.
However, the defense got criticized for its play in last week’s 20-13 loss to Vanderbilt — by UK defensive coordinator Brad White.
“We, as a defense, felt that was probably our worst performance of the year. There were situations that we definitely should have handled better as coaches and players. Execution in critical moments needs to happen,” White said Wednesday.
“We had an opportunity on the first drive when we get them backed up and pinned to get off the field multiple times. Then we got them in the red zone, we had an opportunity to force a big sack, then who knows what’s going to happen.”
Ole Miss scored on its first drive like that also against UK but then the Kentucky defense took over. That did not happen against Vanderbilt.
“Then, we sort of settle in and you think it’s like Ole Miss. Then you get to the two-minute drive and we start with a mental error that should have resulted in zero yards or potentially negative if we execute. We don’t,” White said. “They get the drive started, then we have an offsides penalty and they get going.
“If we could execute and force a field goal, it’s 10-7 at the half. Those are situations we have to do better at. We just didn’t play our best game in terms of execution. It seemed like every play, someone was raising their hand and saying my bad. When you do that, and you only have 55 plays, we’ve got to get that tightened up.”
Kentucky’s defense will try to stop Florida Saturday night. The Gators will go with backup quarterback DJ Lagway after starter Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury last week. Logway is a run-pass threat.
“There’s been enough split snaps to know that DJ is very comfortable playing and playing in big environments,” White said. “The system is similar, no matter who the quarterback was in the game.
“Obviously, you understand the skill set he brings, really elite level arm talent, mobile. He looks comfortable and efficient in the system. Big challenge for us.”
White says his team has had a “good response” in practice this week but knows the key remains playing better in the game.
“There’s been a good response but we need to continue that response,” White said. “Going into a hostile environment on the road, we really need to lock arms and play well.”
5 Responses
Florida vs Kentucky. 2 teams that shoot themself in the foot. Whoever wants this game more will win. I think up to this point we are about even. They haven’t beat anyone as good as ole miss. So we could win this game. If Chip plays and Ford plays on the offensive line we will win this game. Please Stoops give Wilcox at least 10 carries. I think if you give him 10 carries he will take one to the house. He was one safety away from taking one to the house against Vanderbilt with only 3 carries. Also what happened to Patterson? He had a couple of good carries too. DSK is a between the tackles running back good for 3-10 yards a clip. He’s never going to break one he’s not fast enough. So we need to put the ball in the hands of some guys who can get loose.
A “Grand-Grand” idea, RJohn!
We keep getting the same pregame speeches and analyses week after week. I would also like to see Gavin get more involved in the offensive game plan because I, and think many others, feel he gives us the best chance to win with his experience and mobility. Stoops is on the decline and it is mind blowing that he is paid $9M to put this product on the field.
UK would be better served if it cut Stoops salary by $1Million put that into the NIL/transfer portal fund.If Stoops saw the hand on the wall he might coach better and get better players with the extra Million Bucks.
I know its not going to happen but its nice to dream.
They should cut his salary in half and put that money into NIL.