Dante Dowdell had a 79-yard scoring run against Toledo. (Vicky Graff Photo)
While the passing game wasn’t on target in the opener when UK beat Toledo 24-16, Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan liked the Wildcats’ ability to run the football.
Hamdan also doesn’t mind running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan sharing the load in the backfield.
“I think, from a freshness standpoint, especially nowadays in ball, I think two guys feeding off of one another is critical,” he said. “Even, think of (Saturday’s) game, there were opportunities where Seth was out there for four, five, six plays.
“Then all of a sudden, Dante came in and was able to hit that big one (79-yard run) and be fresh. I think, more than ever now, the ability to play off of one another is critical. We’re fortunate to have both of those guys.”
Dowdell paved the way with 129 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. McGowan added 78 yards in the opener.
In addition to Dowdell and McGowan, Hamdan gave credit to the offensive line, which didn’t allow a sack and had just one penalty against the Rockets.
“Certainly the number one thing going into the game was we had to be a more physical team,” he said. “They had to feel our presence there, and I think it showed up at all levels. We were able to run the ball well.”
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Gametracker: Ole Miss at Kentucky, 3:30 p.m., Saturday. TV/Radio: ABC, UK Radio Network. Coverage: www.kentuckytoday.com
8 Responses
Now all we need are threats at quarterback and wide receiver.
So one of these 2 goes down and then what? I don't understand why the names of Patterson and Wilcox weren't mentioned but we do get to see weekly why Boise State couldn't purge Hamdan quick enough. Both he and Stoops need to go after this year for this team to have any chance at resurrecting it's relevancy in the SEC.
Wilcox is toast.
That's hilarious! Kentucky hasn't EVER been relevant in the SEC. There is no such thing as resurrecting Kentucky's relevance in the SEC. There is no other winning Coach coming to Ky where entitled people expect him to bring back to life a program that has been dead since it was born over a hundred years ago. Stoops will go down as the best Coach Ky ever had. NO OTHER COACH WILL EVER TAKE KY TO EIGHT STRAIGHT BOWL GAMES!! Mark it down!
Jimmy, They don't understand the history of UK football especially being in SEC. UK football doesn't belong to be in SEC were not stack for it regardless who the coach is. We may have good seasons .but as far winning the SEC outright that's a dream thinking.
Wilcox is done here at Kentucky. Which is sad because he had the highest ceiling in the running back room. It's like he couldn't get out of Stoops doghouse. We can't blame his being in trouble with the law as the concern because other players have also caught charges and are still playing. Like Lovett and Gilmore. So why is it so much worse when it's Wilcox. I think Stoops doesn't like Wilcox and never has. He would make a 50 yard run then not see the field anymore. It makes 0 sense. Whej Stoops doesn't like you then you should transfer. Even if you would help win games he wont play you. He's stubborn and think he knows everything and doesnt know shit. He's terrible at every phase of coaching. Motivation, the playbook, the time clock, the game clock, player management. He sucks at all these categories. We could even go deeper. Remember he said he couldnt keep his shoes tied is why he wasn't playing. I mean come on? Do you think the fans are as stupid as you are ? I guess not. He is making 9 million a year to almost blatantly lose. I wouldnt be surprised at this point if he's taking money to throw the games. It's plain to see he hates the fans at Kentucky. Listen to his call in show. He's a prick. I would love for him to be fired. It won't happen. Money Mitch doesn't have the backbone. I call it for what I see it. Stoops is done. I still think we win vs Ole Miss. Only because of turnovers. If we have 2 or more turnovers we won't win. If we can play a clean game I think we win. It's that simple. This QB we are playing against is 19 years old. His first SEC game away. We need to blitz early and often and just let the corners and safeties have a field day picking off passes. The end Kentucky wins 33-31. Yes the only reason we score 33 is because of a defensive touchdown. Plus Ole Miss will turn it over and give us great field position a couple of times. If we can score on one of these turnovers we win. 33-31! 2-0 top 25 going into the game against eastern Michigan another win.
Stoops is a prick? The "Big Boohoo Nation" should look in the mirror. That's where the pricks are.
Stoops doesn't seem to embrace the job the way he should.