Kentucky Football: Can Wildcats build on historic 2018 season?

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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 24: Sean McCormack #15 of the Louisville Cardinals is tackled by the Kentucky Wildcats defense during the game on November 24, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Defense holds the key to Kentucky’s success

The Wildcat defense is the key to everything Mark Stoops wants to do. He and the ‘Cats want to play ball-control offense, and get after the quarterback on defense.

The Wildcats come in to this season without Josh Allen or Jordan Jones and their 87 combined tackles (not to mention Allen’s 17 sacks) from last season. What Benny Snell was to the offense, Allen was to the defense. In fact, one could argue Allen is the greatest football player in UK history.

Not only are they replacing two of their linebackers, they are replacing their entire secondary.

They do have two safeties, Davontae Robinson and Jordan Griffin, with game experience, but will rely on JUCO transfers Brandin Echols and Quandre Mosely.

Along the defensive front, they will rely on their beef upfront to compensate for the loss of half their linebacking corps. They will rely heavily on Quinton Bohanna to anchor the defense at nose guard.

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