Gut Check Time For Players, Coaches and Whole Program

[The-Hack]

Stoops and Levis post-game said the obvious: everyone need not point fingers at others within the program. All aspects of the game/coaching deserve criticism.

But there are so many legitimate questions/concerns rational fans are asking.

1. Where has our Will Levis Gone? You know, the guy who rambled for huge gains against Mizzou, LSU and U if L, played heady in Athens, etc. Injuries and O-line problems are obvious answers, but I want some more of that rumbling, bumbling energetic, forward stumbling emotional leader of 2021.

You say he won’t be Coached to scramble in the NFL? Then find him a college coordinator because this is not the NFL.

2. Death by a Thousand Cuts. Tavion’s drop, with the defender twisted, and no deeper defender likely would have gone the distance if caught. More than once, Levis tossed short lateral passes to guys who were obviously going to get smashed. Quicker decision making might have indicated a need to fake the throw and go get what was there on the ground. And on those short passes where our guy got smashed, receivers whiffed on blocks. Hell, grab and hold the DB/backer if you can’t block him: you might get away with it, and even the penalty is better than getting a teammate creamed for a loss, risking injury.

3. Defense. Yeah, two ridiculously blown coverages, but more sacks of Hooker and forced punts than others have forced on that galloping offense.

4. Offense. That UT secondary was 130th in the nation entering tonight’s game. That was an embarrassingly piss-poor passing, catching performance, overall, given the comparative stats entering the game.

5. Consistencies? At least we f@&ked up an extra point, showing a season-long consistency. We are passed the point, statistically, where going for two would likely be more productive going forward.

6. Coaching changes. Folks who joined this forum as long ago as last week are questioning Stoops’ position.

And that’s stupid.

But Stoops is neither a fool nor an excessively patient boss. Shannon Dawson began his decline after one season in Lexington, being released to G5 oblivion in 2015. I’m not calling for our OC or O-line Coaches scalps, but by all objective measures, they have as much or more talent than John Schlarman, Eddie Gran and Coen had in similar circumstances.

So there’s that.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

I wish Stoops and Levis would fix the mistakes instead of acknowledging them every post game.

And Marrow, how about you stop tweeting and start coaching. Thanks.

 

[The-Hack]

And Marrow, how about you stop tweeting and start coaching. Thanks.

The TE’s have looked good blocking and receiving.

 

[billoliver40]

This has gone from perhaps a special season to a possible nightmare.
The Cats and coaches for some inexplicable reason mailed it in. Against the number 3 team in the country.
Something better switch on or around quick, or this could indeed be catastophic.

 

[BBBLazing]

The TE’s have looked good blocking and receiving.

I realize this, but our coaches are an entire staff. His tweets and the team's lack of performance don't work well together. I say get off social media and coach your team.

 

[entropy13]

Skank and Yenser are, at this point, objectively complete flops. I think a lot of Levis' struggles can be blamed on those two. Yenser has insisted (presumably with the OC) on a new blocking scheme that doesn't transfer too well to the college game, or at least he's done a piss poor job of instructing the players on it. It's been an issue the whole season and Levis is the one suffering.

Coupled with the above, Skank has essentially neutered Levis' innate feel for the game and his instinct for knowing when to scramble when a play breaks down or when he sees an opening. And, to that end, Skank's playcalling does the team no favors. No rhyme or reason, and taking away the QB scramble exacerbates the team's weaknesses. Skank's job is to win college FB games, not micromanage an NFL prospect. Hell, Skank has arguably done more damage to Levis' prospects in recent games. He's taken unnecessary hits and sacks that would not have otherwise occured due to a fundamentally flawed approach that gets less out of more.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

This season ended v South Carolina. I thought we had a chance today, but I was way wrong. They took our soul tonight. OC is just not getting it done. Levis has regressed and much can be blamed on OC. OLine, same. Line coach needs to be done. Stoops can stay, he’s earned it, but he has to have an OC who can get points, cause Stoops can’t do it, and his philosophy isn’t going to get us to the top of SEC E.

Edit - Was typing while above posted basically said the same exact thing.

 

[ThunderMash]

Among a plethora of head scratching things, Weaver and Wright have pretty much disappeared in the pass rush game. I think Weaver maybe got a sack, but I heard almost nothing about them in pass rush. They just can't seem to sniff the QB effectively, and I have no idea why Weaver was standing over a WR in the beginning.

Hell, I don't hear much about Square, either. I know he got hurt, and he had a nice interception in the Miss St game, but outside of that, he looked lost at Ole Miss. Jones was awesome before he got hurt, but the linebackers have been odd, to say the least. Whoever replaced Jones today sure didn't get much TV time. Not even sure who started in his place (Wallace?).

 

[3Eye]

When are you all going to realize that our head coach is in reality a position coach that has a last name with a perigee.
We got it. Learn to live with it. This is what we’re going to have.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

1. Remove the flanker screen from the play book next week
2. Try throwing a pass on first or second down.
3. Put in our back up kicker or go for 2 after scores
4.Try blitzing with linebackers, safties or corners as our D line has no real pass rusher
5. Put a fullback( if we have one) in the backfield to help pass block so we have time to throw the ball farther than 10 yards down the feild.
6. Throw the ball to our tightends more, especially when 2 of them are in the game. As it stands right now when we have 2 in it tells the defense we are running the ball.
7 Simplify the offense and let Levi's run if he wants too, he is overthinking it and trying to make multiple reads , not his strong suit.
8 Work on the punting game, especially blocking g for it in practice this week.
9. Get Stoops to stop arguing with officials and start paying attention to the play being run.
10. Finally change up the pregame routine and warm-ups as this team never starts a game like they are ready to plaY

 

[Gromcat]

When are you all going to realize that our head coach is in reality a position coach that has a last name with a perigee.
We got it. Learn to live with it. This is what we’re going to have.

I mean I hate it, but I’ve said this for a long time. Stoops is not really head coach material for a real contender. He’s an old school basic bare bones defensive guy that is a really bad field manager. I mean at this point his in field coaching decisions are about as bad as it gets. Guys smoking weed playing madden can legit make better calls. And I’m being serious.

He’s done an okay job; but people don’t understand modern resources. We are going to be a better football program regardless these days. Stoops is just the first coach to be in the seat with modern revenue streams.

I’ve said this for God knows how many times; Stoops is not the guy there taking this program to the next level. That will be the next hire so it’s very important to make it a good one.

Stoops will never see a NY6 bowl at UK. His ceiling had been reached.

 

[mrschwump]

Among a plethora of head scratching things, Weaver and Wright have pretty much disappeared in the pass rush game. I think Weaver maybe got a sack, but I heard almost nothing about them in pass rush. They just can't seem to sniff the QB effectively, and I have no idea why Weaver was standing over a WR in the beginning.

Hell, I don't hear much about Square, either. I know he got hurt, and he had a nice interception in the Miss St game, but outside of that, he looked lost at Ole Miss. Jones was awesome before he got hurt, but the linebackers have been odd, to say the least. Whoever replaced Jones today sure didn't get much TV time. Not even sure who started in his place (Wallace?).

Jackson was Jones replacement and he was UK's leading tackler with 14.

 

[know1]

Last night is the first time in a long time that the problems seemed squarely on coaching. OC, has struggled much of the year as has special team. But last night even the defense looked unprepared and uninspired. Levis is probably hurting more than we know, but our OC isn't getting it done. Heck, Gran was successful with a WR as quarterback for much of the year. This team has more talent at the skill positions.

 

[aikenite4uk]

1. Remove the flanker screen from the play book next week
2. Try throwing a pass on first or second down.
3. Put in our back up kicker or go for 2 after scores
4.Try blitzing with linebackers, safties or corners as our D line has no real pass rusher
5. Put a fullback( if we have one) in the backfield to help pass block so we have time to throw the ball farther than 10 yards down the feild.
6. Throw the ball to our tightends more, especially when 2 of them are in the game. As it stands right now when we have 2 in it tells the defense we are running the ball.
7 Simplify the offense and let Levi's run if he wants too, he is overthinking it and trying to make multiple reads , not his strong suit.
8 Work on the punting game, especially blocking g for it in practice this week.
9. Get Stoops to stop arguing with officials and start paying attention to the play being run.
10. Finally change up the pregame routine and warm-ups as this team never starts a game like they are ready to plaY

2, This x 1000. I knew Stoops would run Crod on 1st and 2nd down against a stacked box defense that is good against the run and terrible against the pass. I turned off the game at the 8:00 min mark in the 3rd quarter when we did the same thing down 24. Then the predictable 3rd and long interception. When you've got an NFL caliber QB and you don't let him throw at all on early down against stacked boxes, that's beyond stupid.

 

[ManitouDan]

2, This x 1000. I knew Stoops would run Crod on 1st and 2nd down against a stacked box defense that is good against the run and terrible against the pass. I turned off the game at the 8:00 min mark in the 3rd quarter when we did the same thing down 24. Then the predictable 3rd and long interception. When you've got an NFL caliber QB and you don't let him throw at all on early down against stacked boxes, that's beyond stupid.

I went to school in Alabama with a guy from Tn .. good dude , we have been friends for 25 years now , We started talking about the game and our chances a week ago . I told him the exact same thing ... We open up with the obvious ... run the ball with Crod against a stacked , tight box and get in 3rd and longs early we are screwed , and will prob get demolished ... and thats exactly what happened . Out O line isnt good enough .. by a long shot , to pass protect in very many obvious passing downs . You better try to pass in some obvious run situations to protect your weakness .. but Nooooooo Stoops is gonna Stoops .. control the clock, play smash mouth 1970's Big Ten style stuff. It just wont work against the big boys . ( Top 10 type teams ). yeah we can look decent against a semi turd like Miss St .. or even get a bowl win over a decent Penn St . But we are at our ceiling with Stoops .

 

[JimBR]

1. 1. Where has our Will Levis Gone? You know, the guy who rambled for huge gains against Mizzou, LSU and U if L, played heady in Athens, etc. Injuries and O-line problems are obvious answers, but I want some more of that rumbling, bumbling energetic, forward stumbling emotional leader of 2021.

Agree. I've been wondering why he hasn't run more this year too after being so effective last year. Worried about injury? New offense?

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I'm a huge fan of stoops but you could see his conservative fingerprints all over the offense tonight and vs sc. I started getting concerned when I heard his GameDay interview about "we are who we are" because that meant we were going to force the run at his behest.

I posted last week we can't fall into the bait of trying to set up the run vs their 5-2. They bait it and sell out to stop it. Vs their d you have to pass to set up the run.

We dropped the slot fade TD and that was basically the last time we challenged them vertically. Just like sc where the entire offense puckered after one bad play.

 

[backinky2018]

I mean I hate it, but I’ve said this for a long time. Stoops is not really head coach material for a real contender. He’s an old school basic bare bones defensive guy that is a really bad field manager. I mean at this point his in field coaching decisions are about as bad as it gets. Guys smoking weed playing madden can legit make better calls. And I’m being serious.

He’s done an okay job; but people don’t understand modern resources. We are going to be a better football program regardless these days. Stoops is just the first coach to be in the seat with modern revenue streams.

I’ve said this for God knows how many times; Stoops is not the guy there taking this program to the next level. That will be the next hire so it’s very important to make it a good one.

Stoops will never see a NY6 bowl at UK. His ceiling had been reached.

Sorry, but this is way off.

-Stoops has improved everything about the UK program. To act like it was inevitable that UK would be a stable / competitive / mid tier (or better) football program in the SEC is just wrong.

-He isn't calling plays. You can quibble with play calling, but I don't see gross game mismanagement from the head coach. Early in his career, there were clock gaffes and such, but we really don't see much of that any longer.

-You might be right about whether or not he is a coach to take us to the next level (which would be either winning the SEC east or reaching the NY6). I would argue that he was right there for NY6, so I think that is attainable. I do think that we will likely not win the east under his reign.

 

[backinky2018]

I'm a huge fan of stoops but you could see his conservative fingerprints all over the offense tonight and vs sc. I started getting concerned when I heard his GameDay interview about "we are who we are" because that meant we were going to force the run at his behest.

I posted last week we can't fall into the bait of trying to set up the run vs their 5-2. They bait it and sell out to stop it. Vs their d you have to pass to set up the run.

We dropped the slot fade TD and that was basically the last time we challenged them vertically. Just like sc where the entire offense puckered after one bad play.

I tend to hate mass generalization after a big loss, but there is probably something to this. I tend to think that the first gadget play against USCe (which likely lost the game for us) probably caused Stoops to revert to (conservative) form. It seems like he took that bad result as reassurance that UK does NOT play like that. We are ground and pound, so using his logic, we have to go back to ground and pound.

 

[Crums Bald Spot]

I mean I hate it, but I’ve said this for a long time. Stoops is not really head coach material for a real contender. He’s an old school basic bare bones defensive guy that is a really bad field manager. I mean at this point his in field coaching decisions are about as bad as it gets. Guys smoking weed playing madden can legit make better calls. And I’m being serious.

He’s done an okay job; but people don’t understand modern resources. We are going to be a better football program regardless these days. Stoops is just the first coach to be in the seat with modern revenue streams.

I’ve said this for God knows how many times; Stoops is not the guy there taking this program to the next level. That will be the next hire so it’s very important to make it a good one.

Stoops will never see a NY6 bowl at UK. His ceiling had been reached.

There's a reason you rarely see Stoops name come up for other jobs and it's not that he's been overpaid by Barney for most of his tenure.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Stoops and Levis post-game said the obvious: everyone need not point fingers at others within the program. All aspects of the game/coaching deserve criticism.

But there are so many legitimate questions/concerns rational fans are asking.

1. Where has our Will Levis Gone? You know, the guy who rambled for huge gains against Mizzou, LSU and U if L, played heady in Athens, etc. Injuries and O-line problems are obvious answers, but I want some more of that rumbling, bumbling energetic, forward stumbling emotional leader of 2021.

You say he won’t be Coached to scramble in the NFL? Then find him a college coordinator because this is not the NFL.

2. Death by a Thousand Cuts. Tavion’s drop, with the defender twisted, and no deeper defender likely would have gone the distance if caught. More than once, Levis tossed short lateral passes to guys who were obviously going to get smashed. Quicker decision making might have indicated a need to fake the throw and go get what was there on the ground. And on those short passes where our guy got smashed, receivers whiffed on blocks. Hell, grab and hold the DB/backer if you can’t block him: you might get away with it, and even the penalty is better than getting a teammate creamed for a loss, risking injury.

3. Defense. Yeah, two ridiculously blown coverages, but more sacks of Hooker and forced punts than others have forced on that galloping offense.

4. Offense. That UT secondary was 130th in the nation entering tonight’s game. That was an embarrassingly piss-poor passing, catching performance, overall, given the comparative stats entering the game.

5. Consistencies? At least we f@&ked up an extra point, showing a season-long consistency. We are passed the point, statistically, where going for two would likely be more productive going forward.

6. Coaching changes. Folks who joined this forum as long ago as last week are questioning Stoops’ position.

And that’s stupid.

But Stoops is neither a fool nor an excessively patient boss. Shannon Dawson began his decline after one season in Lexington, being released to G5 oblivion in 2015. I’m not calling for our OC or O-line Coaches scalps, but by all objective measures, they have as much or more talent than John Schlarman, Eddie Gran and Coen had in similar circumstances.

So there’s that.

Better finish strong or they will be gone.
Its not a stretch to say that at #3 UT will end up being our toughest game of the year, even slightly tougher than #1 UGA because its in Ky and they have beat UK 12-13 times in a row.