Kentucky’s Offensive Line Has Major Deficiencies

Followers maintain Kentucky’s offensive line in excessive esteem, referring to them as a “gritty” workforce that kilos between the tackles. Whereas the midwest, blue-collar perspective suits the state, it would not mesh with what this workforce does nicely.

Head coach Mark Stoops stated as a lot when he referred to his workforce as a drop-back passing offense. That sentiment rings true, as quarterback Will Levis is a gifted thrower that usually elevates his offensive personnel.

Nonetheless, the offensive line has been a limiting issue up to now. They routinely mess up easy ideas and have hindered Kentucky’s offensive capabilities. Levis’ expertise and the pace at receiver would make you suppose they’re an explosive offense, however they can not develop something downfield.

Offensive coordinator Wealthy Scangarello brings numerous ideas that release playmakers regardless of the restrictions up entrance. Scangarello frolicked in San Francisco with NFL wunderkind Kyle Shanahan, who is aware of how you can scheme round offensive deficiencies.

The scheme and quarterback are distinctive, however the collective group has underachieved. Kentucky averages 26.8 factors per sport whereas going through a comparatively simple schedule up to now. Ole Miss posed their first actual defensive problem, and the Wildcats mustered nineteen factors.

Studying What’s In Entrance 

Kentucky would not have a expertise deficiency within the trenches. They line up 5 SEC-sized offensive linemen which have pedigree and expertise however cannot execute. The group has poor eye self-discipline and routinely messes up easy protections.

These are day one set up ideas that may have offensive line coaches irate. Levis has made performs regardless of no safety however suffers large hits each week. If the 5 up entrance held up longer, the Wildcats might be able to create a vertical passing sport.

Alas, that is not their actuality. Kentucky works the boundary on passing performs, often designing go performs with run appears to be like to cease defenders from occupying the center of the sector.

How South Carolina Matches Up

Kentucky’s notable weaknesses lie within the inside. Their guard and middle mixture could be the worst within the convention; they both get beat due to poor positioning or lackluster method, and the one fixed thread is that they’re at all times getting beat.

Defensive lineman Zacch Pickens has grow to be the heartbeat of this South Carolina entrance. He finds methods to have an effect on each phases with effort and leverage, which match up nicely in opposition to the Wildcats.

The Gamecocks do not have elite edge rushers that may bend the nook, which is a significant sore spot in opposition to a workforce like Georgia. Nonetheless, they’re a between-the-tackles soccer workforce, that means they need to overpower Kentucky on Saturday.

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