After Kentucky’s offense put up a historically inept passing performance against Toledo, fans were desperately searching for answers and accountability. They wanted a confident plan for fixing the myriad of issues. Instead, when asked if teams typically show big improvement from week one to week two, Offensive Coordinator Bush Hamdan offered this nugget of assurance:
"I sure as heck hope so."
For a fanbase starved for competence, "hope" is not a strategy. Hamdan’s media session on Tuesday did little to quell the rising tide of concern, painting a picture of an offense that is overly complicated and a coordinator who seems to be deflecting responsibility. They also shuffle people in and out, late motion that does little to move the defense, and they play so slow the defense is able to load up.
"Indecision" and "complication"
When asked about the complete failure of the downfield passing game, where the Cats went 0-for-5, Hamdan’s explanation pointed fingers.
"I think it goes both ways, I thought initially there was indecision from our standpoint at the quarterback position," Hamdan said. "Sometimes making it more complicated than it needs to be... post snap, pick the guy we're going with, hold the safety, give him a chance..."
The message seemed clear: the quarterback was hesitant and the scheme was too complex. This stands in stark contrast to quarterback Zach Calzada, who took full ownership.
"I think, for me, it's going to be my decision making," Calzada said. "My mistakes are very fixable... We know exactly what we need to work on."
Fans are left to wonder: Is the quarterback being indecisive because the coordinator is making things too complicated? One is taking accountability while the other appears to be passing the buck.
A masterclass in how NOT to manage the game
Hello J.J. Hester!
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) August 30, 2025
Hamdan did offer a glimmer of optimism when talking about a deep pass to JJ Hester that was ultimately ruled incomplete. While Hamdan saw a positive in the near-catch, fans saw a massive coaching blunder.
After the big play, Kentucky's offense casually ambled around, allowing nearly 30 seconds of precious game clock to tick away. This inexplicable lack of urgency gave the replay booth more than enough time to buzz down and initiate a review, which overturned the catch. It should have never taken that long.
The issue wasn't the throw or the catch; it was the inexcusable lack of situational awareness. A competent coaching staff rushes to the line and snaps the ball, taking the review out of the equation. Instead, Kentucky watched the clock, and the big play, disappear.
After a performance defined by bad execution, confusing explanations, and a clear lack of confidence, Big Blue Nation is looking for a leader with a plan. Right now, all they're getting is Bush Hamdan.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. 121:7-8. #UpTheAlbion