Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Terry Wilson (3) went around the end on Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Aaron Brule (3) as Kentucky played Mississippi State on October 10, 2020. Photo by Mark Cornelison
It wasn’t hard for Mark Stoops to evaluate his team’s dismal offensive performance in last week’s 24-2 victory over Mississippi State where the Cats had 155 total yards, including only 32 the second half where the Cats were stymied by State’s defense.
“Offensively, we have got to get some things corrected, did not play well. We know that and know there are some things we can get fixed,” Stoops said Monday. “Some things are easy fixes and some things are difficult.
“We have to play as a team and find a way to win. We need the offensive to respond much like the defense did last week to come out and put it all together. That is what gives us hope as we move forward.”
The defense did bounce back after two not so good performances. Maybe the offense can. But I asked Stoops what were the easy fixes for an offense that got next to nothing done. His answer did not exactly make me still know what he meant.
“The self-inflicted plays that are hurting us, we can control those things. There are many plays that are up to us and up to coaches and up to each individual. There are things we can get corrected,” Stoops said.
Okay, eliminate fumbles and interceptions. No more celebrating early on a potential touchdown run. No more running wrong routes.
But what are other “easy fixes” for an offense that needs help, especially in the passing game?
“There are things we have done this year exceptionally well. We have to put it all together and the defense is a great example. I was ready to pull what little hair I have out all last week and we came out and responded against a very good team,” Stoops said.
“To hold that team to zero (offensive) points, to shut them out for the first time in Mike Leach’s (head coaching) career is a compliment to our players and our staff with the way they responded.”
It is but I think I would be pulling what little hair he has left out today over UK’s non-offense. Maybe he can get it fixed before the Cats play Tennessee Saturday, but I am not sure it’s going to be all that easy.
