Vicky Graff Photo
Kentucky’s special teams play has been very good this season but will get a severe test at South Carolina Saturday night from punt returner Vicari Swain.
The redshirt sophomore defensive back has returned seven punts in four games but THREE HAVE GONE FOR TOUCHDOWNS.
“He’s scoring touchdowns. When you’re putting the ball in the end zone, that sets the tone. He’s got everyone in our conference’s attention, and he certainly has mine,” UK special teams coach Jay Boulware said this week.
He better have everyone at UK’s attention because three punt returns in the first two games is incredible. Vanderbilt and Missouri did not allow him to return a punt for a score the last two games — both South Carolina losses.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops called South Carolina’s special teams play “very impressive” and noted that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has “expertise” in that area.
“They are very good in all phases. They really are. In the return game with Swain, he’s been very dynamic with three touchdowns, pretty impressive, in four games,” Stoops said. “They’re just good. They are well coached, they play extremely hard, and they’re good units across the board.”
Stoops believes Kentucky’s special team play has been “very solid” but has not produced any touchdowns.
“It’ll be a great challenge this week on the road, playing South Carolina. We mentioned how good they are in special teams, in all phases. This will be the biggest test of the year for us,” Stoops said.
Boulware noted that South Carolina’s blocking on punt returns has been exceptional. The Gamecocks have also blocked one punt and just missed a second block.
“Their return game is set up by their block game. When you’re sitting in there protecting, those guys are able to grab you pretty good and get a hold of you at the line of scrimmage,” Boulware said. “You gotta do a good job getting loose, because a lot of times they’ll go extreme and double (team) across the line, and single on the backside, and give that return guy a lane. That’s obviously a challenge. You gotta get some guys to beat a double-team.”
Kentucky ranks in the top 20 nationally in punt coverage this season and covering punts is a must Saturday night for the Cats to win.
7 Responses
Vandy about to go 5-0…unbelievable. That is what happens when you have a solid team, proven QB, and proven HC. Wish I had a better feel for what lies ahead tonight.
Agree, Big Kahuna, for sure!
UK has the right coaches. I read it on VV.
Of course, it was not unanimous, whereas most UK fans & VV readers realize UK is going backwards in a 4th year slide into the bottom of the SEC cellar. Amazing that former doormat Vandy is now stepping on some big toes!
A new AD, new HC, new OC & sticking with Boyer (& give him an elite QB coach & elite OC)would be a step toward getting g out of the cellar.
The forecast for tonight's game is rain, rain, and more rain.
Apparently this has been the forecast for several days, based on posts I began seeing at 247 the last few days.
I wonder which team will be better prepared for a rain game?
SC
The gig is up. The noose is out
Rain didn't happen, and UK self destructed in the 2nd quarter.
Another no-show performance off a bye week.
And Stoops gets two of them this season!!! Whoopee!!!