Hamdan 'Proud' of UK Offense in Season Opener
Kentucky’s 31-0 win over Southern Miss on Saturday ended with 9:56 to play in the third quarter. Despite playing just over half of the scheduled 60 minutes, the UK offense was able to run 42 plays in the contest.
On Tuesday, UK offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan assessed how his unit played against the Golden Eagles in the season opener.
“I’m certainly proud of the guys, from the standpoint of the extended delay and the ability to stay focused. I felt they played better as the game continued to go on. I think a lot of positives. Obviously, a lot to clean up.”
Kentucky rushed 24 times for 148 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and completed 12 of 18 passing for 169 yards. The Cats scored three touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. Hamdan knows that it all starts with the offensive line, and he was pleased with that group.
“I thought they did a nice job. They played extremely hard,” Hamdan said. “I was very pleased with the ability to run the ball when we needed to. Certainly, on the explosive plays, it always starts with those guys up front. The ability for them to hold up the protection gave us the ability to throw the ball down the field and that was impressive.”
Quarterback Brock Vandagriff had all of the 169 yards passing and he added 35 yards on the ground on five carries. Hamdan was impressed with his signal caller.
“Tough brand of football. He plays physical,” Hamdan said. “He’s got to get down and protect himself because we’re going to need that guy. I think we’ve got a good player there. The toughness, the resiliency, moreso not when things were going good but how he responded when things weren’t going good. We’re excited about his play. I think he’s a really steady player. He’s never too high, never too low, he knows exactly who he is.”
The wide receivers were able to help Vandagriff in the passing game. That group was expected to be key for the Cats, and they certainly were in game one.
“(I was) impressed,” Hamdan said. “I think those guys really have different skillsets that compliments one another. I think that’s so important about a great wide receiver room, you’ve got vertical threats, you’ve got guys who are great in space, you’ve got guys who can stretch the field, you’ve got a guy like Dane Key who can make those tough catches. The great groups have that about them.”
The running game was a question mark heading into the opener, with expected starter Chip Trayanum sidelined due to injury. However, the backs responded against Southern Miss, which did not totally surprise Hamdan.
“There’s been an edge with that group for a long time,” Hamdan said. “Just naturally, where there’s no lead, returning starter or any big name type of guy in that room. We’re bringing along that group, it’s by committee and I’m excited for those guys and to see them play on Saturday. I was proud of Jason (Patterson), I was proud of Demie (Sumo-Karngbaye) for what he did, Jamarion Wilcox got in there and did some good things.”
Overall, it was a successful debut for Hamdan’s offense at Kentucky. The Cats will look to take another step on Saturday against South Carolina.
