Kentucky Offense Focused on Improving Situational Execution
On Saturday against Florida, the Kentucky offense was again able to move the ball well. However, in critical situations, the Cats did not execute enough to either keep drives going or to score.
Following Tuesday’s practice, offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan addressed the items that his unit is still working to improve.
“For us, third down and six (yards to go) or less and fourth downs, we were something like two of 11 in those situations,” Hamdan said. “At times, I thought we moved the ball extremely well. Two turnovers on third downs and not converting on those fourth downs.”
Echoing head coach Mark Stoops, Hamdan knows that he, his coaches and the players need to get back to work to make improvements.
“I think the biggest thing is just shutting our door and being in the office,” Hamdan said. “I think you have to stay process driven, I really believe that. Sometimes after wins, you think you think you have it all figured out and after losses you think you’re doing everything wrong. You’ve just got to stay the course. I think it’s important for the players to understand that. That’s what we’re preaching to them. Every week, try to take that next step. Move certain guys around, how can we get better in certain spots, put these guys in a better position and that’s always the focus.”
As mentioned, the Cats will continue to tinker with personnel groupings and making sure that the proper players are in the game on the correct plays. That includes a running back room that has had its share of injuries this season.
“It’s never a thing of perfect. We’re in a situation where different guys have been healthy at different points,” Hamdan said. “Certain guys are better than others at certain things. You look at game plans and you try to simplify them as much as you can. It’s been a mixture of guys like Jamarion Wilcox, knowing exactly what plays he would be in there for the most part, what works and what doesn’t. It’s been a work in progress for sure.”
This week, Kentucky faces an Auburn team that has been plagued by turnovers on offense. However, Hamdan knows that the Tigers’ defense is impressive.
“Really talented. I know they’ve got players all over the place,” Hamdan said. “This is a team that I think is ranked 133rd in turnover margin right now. The reality is that if they weren’t, with the talent they have, they couldn’t be in the top third of the conference. This front seven is extremely talented. It’s going to be a good matchup for us.”
The Cats will make adjustments this week to try to continue improving ahead of Saturday’s game against Auburn.
