The optimism of the new Commonwealth Stadium and all the preseason hype is gone. The excitement of being “ALLIN” has faded. The shine on the chrome helmets and other fancy uniform changes is dull. And, despite what most in the Big Blue Nation wanted to believe, the University of Kentucky football is, well, back to the “same ol’ Cats.” It’s not the fact that the Wildcats lost to fellow SEC also ran Vanderbilt on Saturday 21-17, it’s how they lost that is the most troubling. Perception, unfortunately means a lot and right now the perception is that the Kentucky football program isn’t moving forward. It’s not even
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: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
standing still. The perception, and maybe the reality, is that the program is regressing.
Clearly, Patrick Towles isn’t the answer for quarterback. Whether it’s been his inaccurate throws or receiver drops, playcalling or offensive line play, it’s clear that something is amiss. This isn’t to knock the young man because when he was replaced by Drew Barker against the Commodores, he was one of the first players to congratulate Barker on his second quarter touchdown pass. Towles is by all accounts a great young man and a great teammate, but he just couldn’t get the job done. And I don’t think that the Wildcats require a Heisman worthy QB, but Kentucky does need a quarterback that can make quick decisions and accurate throws under duress. Whether or not Drew Barker is that man remains to be seen.
Against Vanderbilt, the Cats made mistakes that, at this stage of the season, are inexcusable. You simply cannot trot your field goal unit on the field with 10 players. You cannot get duped by a trick play that shouldn’t work at any level past peewee football. Some coach in the booth or on the field HAS to notice these things. Kentucky football fans, the gluttons of punishment that they are, can understand losing. Bless their hearts, the can stomach blowouts and missed tackles and hail marys from the opposition. But is it too much to ask the coaches to be prepared for simple, basic football activities? Losing is one thing, but being a laughingstock because of the team’s unpreparedness is another.
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: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Is head coach Mark Stoops the answer? I don’t know. It’s tough to say. What is clear is that making yet another change will only set the program further back. Changes have to be made. Special teams have been anything but special. The offense has been uneven which has put pressure on a defense that is youthful and inexperienced in a lot of key areas. I believe that Coach Stoops has the program ahead of both South Carolina and Missouri, but both of those schools will be looking to fill coaching vacancies next season. And if you cannot beat a limited Vanderbilt team in a must win game, that is going to raise more questions about the direction of this program.
Kentucky football fans have endured a lot. While there have been great players to play for the Wildcats and good and great coaches, the ability to become and remain a competitive program, year in and year out has become elusive. The BBN has bought into new coaches, upgraded recruits and upgraded facilities. How many times can we be told that the next step is just around the corner? At this point, it’s Lucy holding the ball for Charlie Brown only to take the football away at the last second. When will Kentucky fans quit buying in?