Well, today beat the hell out of last season's season opener. Outside of that, well, it was an interesting day of Kentucky football. Some thoughts;
OFFENSE
-C.J. Conrad is an absolute stud. IMO, he needs to have 3-4 targets per half. Same for Garrett Johnson. Today, there were long stretches where both didn't get opportunities (especially Juice).
-The biggest downside of having success with the "wildcat" is that it encourages future use. Today, I thought UK used the "wildcat" far too often (and occasionally, at odd times). UK's dependence on this formation is worrisome to say the least.
-UK's passing game. I'm trying to put myself in Eddie Gran's shoes. He was dealing with a some youth at the o-skill positions and two tackles that struggled mightily with pass blocking. How much did that impact his play calling?
-Stephen Johnson. UK's passing game is going to be limited with him at QB. That's just the way it is. Like him. Dislike him. Whatever. Johnson is going to be inconsistent in the passing game. It's difficult to be critical of UK's coaches reference who should start (because those guys see practice every day...we don't), but if UK doesn't have a more accomplished passer than Johnson, well, wow.
DEFENSE
-I was pretty impressed with the d-line/front seven. UK's run defense is the most encouraging thing about today's game, IMHO. It was as good as I've ever seen it. And before you discount that effectiveness because of the opponent, we've seen far worse teams rack up 200+ yards on UK.
-I love UK's linebackers. Just studs across the board. Love should get a few gassers for missed tackles though (LOL). Overall, this group was REALLY good today.
-I was slightly disappointed in UK's corners, but depth became an issue to due cramps and injuries. One thing that kind of confused me....SOOOOOO much cushion on the outside WR's. I wonder if that was the plan or if UK's guys made mistakes.
-Overall, even know USM piled up over 350 yards of offense, I thought UK's defense was pretty damned good. After the first quarter, UK's offense was a non-factor. This game was on the defense, and they came through!
-Denzil Ware. Star of the day today defensively, and he wasn't the only guy that played well.
MISC.
-I'm gonna do my best to avoid the week one knee jerk stuff. Week one is always iffy. UK won the game AND the staff learned a lot about their personnel and schemes.
-It was nice to win the turnover battle.
-The 12-men on the field penalty on punt return had me shaking my head. I don't know how that happens. I guess it beats having five guys on the field like the Auburn game a few years ago (LOL).
-QB. All we can ask is that the best guy plays. If that's Johnson, it's Johnson. I don't think it is.
GBB!!!
OFFENSE
-C.J. Conrad is an absolute stud. IMO, he needs to have 3-4 targets per half. Same for Garrett Johnson. Today, there were long stretches where both didn't get opportunities (especially Juice).
-The biggest downside of having success with the "wildcat" is that it encourages future use. Today, I thought UK used the "wildcat" far too often (and occasionally, at odd times). UK's dependence on this formation is worrisome to say the least.
-UK's passing game. I'm trying to put myself in Eddie Gran's shoes. He was dealing with a some youth at the o-skill positions and two tackles that struggled mightily with pass blocking. How much did that impact his play calling?
-Stephen Johnson. UK's passing game is going to be limited with him at QB. That's just the way it is. Like him. Dislike him. Whatever. Johnson is going to be inconsistent in the passing game. It's difficult to be critical of UK's coaches reference who should start (because those guys see practice every day...we don't), but if UK doesn't have a more accomplished passer than Johnson, well, wow.
DEFENSE
-I was pretty impressed with the d-line/front seven. UK's run defense is the most encouraging thing about today's game, IMHO. It was as good as I've ever seen it. And before you discount that effectiveness because of the opponent, we've seen far worse teams rack up 200+ yards on UK.
-I love UK's linebackers. Just studs across the board. Love should get a few gassers for missed tackles though (LOL). Overall, this group was REALLY good today.
-I was slightly disappointed in UK's corners, but depth became an issue to due cramps and injuries. One thing that kind of confused me....SOOOOOO much cushion on the outside WR's. I wonder if that was the plan or if UK's guys made mistakes.
-Overall, even know USM piled up over 350 yards of offense, I thought UK's defense was pretty damned good. After the first quarter, UK's offense was a non-factor. This game was on the defense, and they came through!
-Denzil Ware. Star of the day today defensively, and he wasn't the only guy that played well.
MISC.
-I'm gonna do my best to avoid the week one knee jerk stuff. Week one is always iffy. UK won the game AND the staff learned a lot about their personnel and schemes.
-It was nice to win the turnover battle.
-The 12-men on the field penalty on punt return had me shaking my head. I don't know how that happens. I guess it beats having five guys on the field like the Auburn game a few years ago (LOL).
-QB. All we can ask is that the best guy plays. If that's Johnson, it's Johnson. I don't think it is.
GBB!!!