Might want to check your Boom vs UT stat again. He actually had 6 yards on 5 carries in that game, no passes caught. One of the mysteries on the season was why wasn't he used more in that game? UK's overall lack of effort in last year's UT game is something that must not be allowed to happen again.
Play to Our Strength - Passing Game
- Thread starter UKWinsAgainYep
- Start date
Might want to check your Boom vs UT stat again. He actually had 6 yards on 5 carries in that game, no passes caught. One of the mysteries on the season was why wasn't he used more in that game? UK's overall lack of effort in last year's UT game is something that must not be allowed to happen again.
Using national publications as the barometer has been proven to be a waste of time. Under no circumstance are our RBs and WRs the 12 ranked in the league. QB is not the strongest position on the field. We have potential there but extreme erratic play. Our RBs produced every week even against the best teams on the schedule. They averaged close to 6 ypc against everyone. The only limiting factor for our backs was a lack of carries. Our QB play was only excellent for 3 or 4 games and average for maybe 2 more. The rest of the time it was awful. It didn't even matter who the competition was. Some of his worst games were against teams that we dominated like Vandy. Even in his best performances the bulk of the yards were on big splash play gains. He showed no ability to make every down throws. While some of the blame is clearly on the OL and TE play I still put enough of it on Towles that I can't call the QB position the best on the team. QB play is probably my biggest concern going into the season. I am not concerned at all with our RB play. That looks as stable as Bud and Z did going into last season. Also it was clear at the end of the season that Boom was by far the 2nd best player on the team right behind Bud.
I expect Towles to be a lot more consistent in his SECOND year as a starter, And if he isn't then I think we have a pretty promising backup.
But regardless of how our QB plays, and who it is, I expect our QB to put up MUCH improved numbers due to the improved support I expect them to have, at EVERY group, with a phenomenal increase at TE.
But regardless of how our QB plays, and who it is, I expect our QB to put up MUCH improved numbers due to the improved support I expect them to have, at EVERY group, with a phenomenal increase at TE.
That staff seems adamant that one major area of his improvement was his consistency. Said he's hitting short distance targets more precisely, and he's doing even better when throwing it downfield (which is a big relief given our new OC). His mechanics are also better, and they said that he's calmed down a lot with Dawson as the OC. Really fixing the issue with choppy feet and picking receivers to throw to as quick as he does. I think we'll see a lot of improvement from him this season.
I also feel that the addition of Conrad (who will likely start) will cause a rather large increase in passing yards for Towles (and ofc, receiving yards for the TE position). His size and versatility on the perimeter could be a mismatch for a lot of teams. Kid has phenomenal hands according to the staff, and it would give Towles and extra man to look for.
That our QB's are rated 6th in the SEC and our RB's are ranked 12th doesn't necessarily mean that we are stronger at QB than at RB. The SEC is weak (relatively speaking) at QB, while nearly every SEC team is loaded at RB and WR. If anything, I think UK should rank higher than 6th at the QB position, but again, that's in relation to where other SEC teams currently stand there. It's perfectly logical that UK's QB's, RB's, and WR's could more or less equal to each other at his point, and that they could have disparate rankings vs. the rest of the SEC.
Marrow says do not undersell Long at TE.
All of the coaches said Patrick had a great spring. They wanted the fans to know Drew had a very good spring, but PT was just really really good.
All of the coaches said Patrick had a great spring. They wanted the fans to know Drew had a very good spring, but PT was just really really good.
For some reason a lot of fans become so enamored with incoming freshmen that they forget about the redshirts. Long was a very nice prospect and has gotten huge since last year. He will definitely be a factor in the offense this year IMO especially since Marrow is giving him a shout out.
I was just thinking the same thing, the redshirt will certainly help level the playing field for him, a very good prospect in his own right. I hadn't heard much about him lately, good to know that Marrow thinks highly of him, but I think that has been true from the start.
I was just looking at our 14 class, and I wonder how many appreciate what a great class it was. I think one reason that Long, at 6' 5" and 234# and rated a 5.6 by Rivals hasn't gotten the attention he deserves is he was buried in this class, in prior years he would have been a much talked about recruit. In this class he had TEN four stars and SIX 5.7s rated higher than him, and he was just one of NINE 5.6s.rated his equal, only two lower three stars and one two star in the class (all three still good prospects).
Easy to be forgotten in a class like that, with all of them coming into what should be a much improved second season in the program, only one dropout recently in Krok, with Tubman being dismissed by the holier than thou art faculty, and no, no one on here probably knows the real story there, all I know is the GJ didn't indict him and he would be a star next year if at UL-----could still end up that way.. I sure hope not.
But losing only two out of this large group is unbelievable compared to our previous coaches, and their GREAT contribution to UK football should kick into high gear starting THIS year, FOUR of the four stars coming off redshirts and lots of talented playeres like Long..
Easy to be forgotten in a class like that, with all of them coming into what should be a much improved second season in the program, only one dropout recently in Krok, with Tubman being dismissed by the holier than thou art faculty, and no, no one on here probably knows the real story there, all I know is the GJ didn't indict him and he would be a star next year if at UL-----could still end up that way.. I sure hope not.
But losing only two out of this large group is unbelievable compared to our previous coaches, and their GREAT contribution to UK football should kick into high gear starting THIS year, FOUR of the four stars coming off redshirts and lots of talented playeres like Long..
Well, I hope Towles is a lot better because he wasn't great last season like some here believe....He couldn't see wide open receivers or RBs right in front of his face.
He's got a lot to prove and way too hyped.
Yeah, what would the coaches know? Probably not as much as you. Thanks for clearing that up.
There is something called coach speak. I'm just saying he needs to be much better if we are going to get to 6 wins. I hope he is....
Not only do we have a group of good young skilled receivers but we finally have tight ends that can catch and block. We do have very talented running backs but they will also be catching passes out of the back field. If our QB is on target defenses will not be able to guess who were going to on the next play.
Just trying to be a voice of reason. I don't think Towles was that great last season. He is a great runner for a QB, but lacks field vision and poise in the pocket for passing game.
2700 yds, 14 and 9 as a first year SEC QB starter ain't chopped liver. The 2700yds is the most by a UK QB since 2010. Did he have good games? Yes. Did he have poor games? Yes. But he's put down a good foundation to build on. He has work to do but name me a player that doesn't.
Hey, I hope you're right. Without Towles having a good season, we don't go bowling. I'm looking forward to improvement. I just wasn't as impressed after watching video of some of the games.
Yes, we have some talent at the WR position, however, two of those guys, Badet and Montgomery, as everyone knows, showed great potential as True Fr, but both were redshirted last season due to injury. So neither of those guys have played a down since 2013.
Hopefully, both are fully healthy and recovered and return to form and prove to be the great receivers that we all hoped they would develop into, after some glimpses of what could be in their freshman season.
We have to have some production from the TE position this season in order to open up the field more for our WRs. Hopefully, Long and Conrad can both fit the bill and become weapons in the middle of the field, and put more pressure on the D to try and cover those guys too.
This season could be special if everything comes together like we all think it can. We Boom, JoJo, and Horton in the backfield, and a few explosive playmakers at WR , this offense could be tough to handle if they are hitting on all cylinders. Should be a fun team to watch this season.
Hopefully, both are fully healthy and recovered and return to form and prove to be the great receivers that we all hoped they would develop into, after some glimpses of what could be in their freshman season.
We have to have some production from the TE position this season in order to open up the field more for our WRs. Hopefully, Long and Conrad can both fit the bill and become weapons in the middle of the field, and put more pressure on the D to try and cover those guys too.
This season could be special if everything comes together like we all think it can. We Boom, JoJo, and Horton in the backfield, and a few explosive playmakers at WR , this offense could be tough to handle if they are hitting on all cylinders. Should be a fun team to watch this season.
Like I mentioned to you earlier, there was a lot of blame to go around on why we played badly late even with the schedule being tougher. We can even add that our ST, though better then in the past, was still not potentially getting us a score on a run back or punt return very often. I think overall, besides the depth still being young in some positions, we will show great improvement.
I agree that you should "play to your strength" but, right now, I'm not sure what that is. All I'm really sure about is the QB run will not be the featured part of the offense.
The Cats return a lot of players from an offense that, last year, was #74 in passing at 214 YPG, #87 in rushing at 146 YPG and #100 in total offense at 360 YPG. Now I certainly expect there will be some improvement in those raw numbers but I think we are going to have to see a few games to really determine what is "their strength". And that won't take long; should know by the end of September.
Peace
The Cats return a lot of players from an offense that, last year, was #74 in passing at 214 YPG, #87 in rushing at 146 YPG and #100 in total offense at 360 YPG. Now I certainly expect there will be some improvement in those raw numbers but I think we are going to have to see a few games to really determine what is "their strength". And that won't take long; should know by the end of September.
Peace
Wildcard how about you giving us an honest evaluation of the UofL team. IMO they lost a lot to graduation and other attrition off of last years squad and should take a big step down. Heck just the loss of Parker and most of the rest of their starting WRs is a big blow. Then you figure in the losses off the defense and an already nothing to brag about OL and I just do not see any way they do not have a huge loss of production on both sides of the ball. I don't think they have brought in enough misfit transfers to offset their losses. Tell me how I am wrong.
Badet and Timmons could have huge years. Throw in Juice and the rest and this group should thrive in Dawson's offense.
What WR has the most NFL potential on UK's roster?
What WR has the most NFL potential on UK's roster?
As I have posted several times, I think the 2015 Cards will be much like the 2014 Cards. By that I mean pretty good on defense and challenged on offense. But whether they can win 9 games again this year is a totally different question.
The only place I think you are "wrong" is underestimating the remaining talent, especially on defense. Despite the losses, the Cards return 6 or 7 very good defenders and fill some gaps with some highly touted transfers. Obviously if those transfer cannot come in an play at a high level there will be issues in the secondary. (FWIW, nobody is going to get 14 picks this year; that was just freakish.) The big question mark on defense will likely be corner play. However, IMO, 2016 will probably be the real rebuilding year for the defense, especially if a few key JRs bolt next year.
Offensively, the Cards will likely be somewhat better at QB due to experience if nothing else. But, in the spring, Bolin looked "better" than he was against UK (i.e, no big mistakes) and Bohannon looked (I hate to say it) bigger, faster and more accurate with his throws. IMO, Bolin is a "more complete" QB right now but Bonnafon is great athlete who is "learning" to be a QB. Hard to say who wins this battle but it seems that Bonnafon was the post spring choice.
They are starting over at WR. And let's be clear, DeVante Parker has left the locker room. But moving Quick (mainly) to the slot was good place to start. This spring he finally looked like a top flight WR. I was impressed by Savage (aTm) transfer at one wide spot. Other wide spot is pretty open but probably goes to UAB transfer Staples who played under OC Magee at UAB. Remains to be seen if highly touted t-FR Peete gets eligible. FR Samuels (early arrival) reminded me of the many Smurf receivers that have done well at UofL and he may be a frosh to watch; good hands and very fast; think Timmons. Other than an improved Quick, lots of unknowns here but apparently some better than average raw talent. I share the general feeling that while there is no Devante Parker WR won't be a "weakness".
At TE, nobody as good as Christian IMO but JR Towbridge, SO Standberry (will be used in a flex position ala Tamme) and r-FR Crum should be more than adequate.
RBs are solid if not spectacular. CBP focus is on bigger backs. SR Radcliff and SO Scott will likely be the one-two pair. (Radcliff, not Dyer, was last year's main back.) Always injured Corvin Lamb is the home run hitter IF he can ever have a healthy season. JUCO Jeremy Smith showed some flashes in spring but will likely play behind the others at least early on.
Which brings me to O-line. Lost 3 starters from a unit that never really got it together. And one of the returnees may well get moved down this year. Many believe O-line is really where ex-CCS left the cupboard bare. LOTS of new faces here. O-line coach has his work cut out again this year.
Peace
Wildcard you gave it the old UofL fan candy coating but it came through to me that you have some serious doubts about this UofL team.
I get from your post that there is serious doubts at WR and OL, QB is still an unsettled position, and your defense must depend on some questionable transfers to pan out and is in trouble if they do not.
IMO that sounds like a team that is about to take a step or two back.
I get from your post that there is serious doubts at WR and OL, QB is still an unsettled position, and your defense must depend on some questionable transfers to pan out and is in trouble if they do not.
IMO that sounds like a team that is about to take a step or two back.
Thanks for the rundown, appreciate your information. UL lost a lot of talent, but we don't call them Transfer U for nothing. One of the OL being moved down doesn't sound like a negative to me, does that mean someone else is now better than him?
I don't know for sure. Lots of OL shuffling going on during the spring. But you underscored the often overlooked fact that a "returning starter" is not always a "good" thing. Experience is good but it usually makes a poor player an experienced poor player (use your own definition of "poor").
![[winking]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/wink.r191677.gif "Winking [winking]")
Peace
UL's O-Line is a big problem. They won't be opening holes for their RBs. That will be a big headache for Bobby P. against a good defensive team.
I'm not sure our D-Line has the talent to take much advantage.
i think a healthy timmons could be a mid draft pick. badet could be in the first few rounds if he develops at a good pace. i know a lot of people are jocking garrett right now but i still have to see more of him with a defender on him and him getting open to guess where he could go. i think physically baker is probably the best prospect but he struggled getting off man coverage too.
I think it is a fair point by UKwinsagainyep to make about Towles needing to see the field better as well as developing his pocket presence, he certainly did miss seeing a lot of wide open receivers last year. That said I think it is also a fair and valid point that he was just a So and has a lot of room and time to develop. It is also fair to say Kentucky will go only as far as an improved Towles will take them.
I've been wondering if anyone else noticed. Was hard to ignore with a guy in his third year of a program. Il'm aware of the error of him being mishandled in his freshman year and the wise decision for a subsequent red shirt year. Still he was in the system for those years albeit not on the firing line.
A lack of field awareness negates a strong arm and is practically coaching resistant. Maybe the light bulb will come on in this, the fourth year. It has happened before and hope it will at UK this season. Otherwise, what a waste of physical talent.
However, if our offensive line doesn't block well enough to provide a run threat plus decent pass protection all those receivers and an improved Towles will be a waste of time. I'm most concerned about that in our offense.
Did I mention that I'm somewhat of a pessimist. It irritates me also.
LOL! A voice of reason. Of course you are. So this bears repeating again. No quarterback has good field vision when he is being hit and knocked down by an SEC edge rusher. In 2014, Towles was hurried and sacked more than any other SEC quarterback. That's another hard fact for the voice of reason to consider. Look at all the injuries Max Smith suffered. Rebuilding an offensive line is harder and more time consuming than other parts of the offense, and Kentucky's offensive line has been bad for a number of years. As a sophomore, Towles showed a lot of promise. He ranked 5th in the SEC in passing yards per game. A full year of starting experience and a better, deeper group of receivers will help him in 2015. But before we will see the best out of Towles, there must be significant improvement in pass blocking by Kentucky's offensive line.
Thought some of you might like this link to the UF game last season. This game shows promise of our potential passing game this upcoming season. This game really shows the talent in some of our young receivers.
It also shows how bad some of UF's DS were. Johnson had most of his yards on the season in that game.
