Kentucky Wildcats Football – Developing Situations
Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Jalen Whitlow (2) scrambles against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky
There’s good news and bad news in Lexington. The good news is that coach Mark Stoops apparently reached his team with his mid-week rant. The bad news is his team still hasn’t won a conference game, seems to clearly be the worst team in the SEC. Oh, and has No. 1 Alabama coming to town this week…
It only took half a season, but Kentucky seems to have finally chosen QB Jalen Whitlow as its starter. Whitlow completed 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards and 2 TDs Saturday against South Carolina. He also rushed for a team-high 69 yards and another score. Though Maxwell Smith is considered the better passer, it has become increasingly evident that the Wildcats need the rushing presence Whitlow provides. Kentucky ranks 13th in the conference in rushing yards and 14th overall in scoring…
Coming into the season, Kentucky’s rush defense was supposed to be a strength of the team. It hasn’t played out that way, even with new coach Mark Stoops. The Wildcats rank 13th in the SEC in rush defense entering this week’s game against Alabama and RB T.J. Yeldon. Kentucky features strong players like tackling machine LB Avery Williamson, but it simply hasn’t had the success needed to win games in the SEC…
The pass rush provides the greatest bright spot for the defense. DEs Za’Darius Smith and Alvin Smith have combined for 8 sacks this season.