Devastating defeat for Kentucky. Probably even worse than a loss by the same score under different circumstances. UK gets credit for forcing turnovers early, but what are the odds that you lose a game by that score when you're +17 in points off turnover and when you win the turnover margin like that?
Perfect Summary of 2014-2015: Start Strong, Fizzling Finish
Unfortunately, this game was the perfect summary of the last two seasons. Start strong, fail to finish. Last year was understandable. Just year two. Playing undermanned. They're still playing undermanned and young in some spots, but there's no excuse that legitimately explains the kind of all systems fail that Kentucky demonstrated today.
There have to be changes in the offseason. There are a precious few individuals, in my mind, that are probably safe. I have defended Shannon Dawson for most of the season because, mostly, I'm not a huge fan of the way offensive coordinators are often evaluated. But the offense literally did not improve at all this season. The offensive numbers, in many respects, are worse than they were last year. All things considered that's inconceivable.
The offense had no identity. Kentucky threw for 10 touchdown passes all season long. Think about that, given the expectations. The hype did not match the reality. I don't think this opinion is an outlier or reactionary.
The problem isn't Barker or Towles. It may be those two in part. But it's also receiver drops, protection, etc. The list goes on. There's really very little you can look to on the offensive side of the ball as being encouraging from this season.
I don't understand how you can let the clock go that low without trying Towles. Do not jump on that statement without considering this: I believe starting Barker was the right thing to do and is going forward. But if nothing changes, nothing changes. You can't do the same thing for three straight quarters-- three quarters of football -- and do the same thing over and over and over again. Barker wasn't the problem but sometimes you just have to change something, just like many of Barker's supporters said (and I said multiple times this year).
Lack of Leadership.
More disturbing is the lack of leadership. I watched the sideline as Louisville took all of the game's momentum and occasionally A.J. Stamps would stand up and say something to his teammates in an agitated or emotional tone. Some others would, too. But mostly there were pockets of players standing around, or players quietly listening to position coaches or coordinators.
I can't speak to Stoops' leadership, but there was a lack of leadership on the team. I believe the loss of Melvin Lewis hurt. He was an older guy on the team that others looked to, but he was also a Stoops recruit that bridged the gap between the older and younger guys.
Next year is a new year and there could be a new leadership dynamic. But we'll see.
We'll analyze all the details but let's keep it simple now: UK lost because of utter offensive ineptitude, a total collapse due to a lack of mental focus and leadership, and because they let one player, Lamar Jackson, beat them by doing the one thing that everyone expected him to do.
Stoops will have to make major changes in the offseason.
Perfect Summary of 2014-2015: Start Strong, Fizzling Finish
Unfortunately, this game was the perfect summary of the last two seasons. Start strong, fail to finish. Last year was understandable. Just year two. Playing undermanned. They're still playing undermanned and young in some spots, but there's no excuse that legitimately explains the kind of all systems fail that Kentucky demonstrated today.
There have to be changes in the offseason. There are a precious few individuals, in my mind, that are probably safe. I have defended Shannon Dawson for most of the season because, mostly, I'm not a huge fan of the way offensive coordinators are often evaluated. But the offense literally did not improve at all this season. The offensive numbers, in many respects, are worse than they were last year. All things considered that's inconceivable.
The offense had no identity. Kentucky threw for 10 touchdown passes all season long. Think about that, given the expectations. The hype did not match the reality. I don't think this opinion is an outlier or reactionary.
The problem isn't Barker or Towles. It may be those two in part. But it's also receiver drops, protection, etc. The list goes on. There's really very little you can look to on the offensive side of the ball as being encouraging from this season.
I don't understand how you can let the clock go that low without trying Towles. Do not jump on that statement without considering this: I believe starting Barker was the right thing to do and is going forward. But if nothing changes, nothing changes. You can't do the same thing for three straight quarters-- three quarters of football -- and do the same thing over and over and over again. Barker wasn't the problem but sometimes you just have to change something, just like many of Barker's supporters said (and I said multiple times this year).
Lack of Leadership.
More disturbing is the lack of leadership. I watched the sideline as Louisville took all of the game's momentum and occasionally A.J. Stamps would stand up and say something to his teammates in an agitated or emotional tone. Some others would, too. But mostly there were pockets of players standing around, or players quietly listening to position coaches or coordinators.
I can't speak to Stoops' leadership, but there was a lack of leadership on the team. I believe the loss of Melvin Lewis hurt. He was an older guy on the team that others looked to, but he was also a Stoops recruit that bridged the gap between the older and younger guys.
Next year is a new year and there could be a new leadership dynamic. But we'll see.
We'll analyze all the details but let's keep it simple now: UK lost because of utter offensive ineptitude, a total collapse due to a lack of mental focus and leadership, and because they let one player, Lamar Jackson, beat them by doing the one thing that everyone expected him to do.
Stoops will have to make major changes in the offseason.
