Kentucky Football: Can Wildcats offense finally catch up to defense?

Offense is getting needed makeover this season

It is not a secret that Kentucky football has been unable to throw the football during Mark Stoops time there, but the Wildcats are hoping new offensive coordinator Liam Coen can bring a more NFL-style passing attack to Lexington and help better develop the quarterbacks.

The key position battle for Kentucky in 2021 is going to be the battle at quarterback. Terry Wilson has occupied that spot for the past few seasons, but now Kentucky is going to have a new face under center to try and spark the passing game. It is going to be a four-way competition between Joey Gatewood, Beau Allen, Nik Scalzo, and the newest addition, Penn State transfer Will Levis. It is anyone’s guess who wins the job, but whoever does is going to be tasked with improving the 122nd ranked passing attack in the country.

What is going to help whoever starts at quarterback is the deep running back room that Kentucky has. Chris Rodriguez Jr was the fifth leading rusher in the SEC last season, totaling 785 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Rodriguez Jr is the workhorse back, but he is not the only back to look out for this season. Kavosiey Smoke is going to be the second back behind Rodriguez Jr and he is a touchdown waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball.

This is a solid Kentucky receiving corps that only got better through the transfer portal. Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson is looking to make a big impact for the Wildcats this season after leading Nebraska in receiving last season.

Kentucky got a big boost when last year’s leading receiver Josh Ali decided to stay for an extra season. Look for Keaton Upshaw at tight end to make a bigger impact in this offense. The offensive line is going to bring back three starters but will be missing center Drake Jackson and tackle Landon Young.