Discussing Mark Stoops latest comments on roster: For something to be "fixed", doesn't that mean it's broken?

Mark Stoops insists there’s no need to panic, but is that enough?As Kentucky football fans reel from a frustrating 2024 season, Mark Stoops has urged calm. "Nobody needs to panic," he said. He noted that the roster can be fixed, saying, "We have to get it done." While Stoops’ confidence is commendable, it raises a critical question: if the roster needs fixing, who broke it?

A Decline in the Trenches

The loss of legendary offensive line coach John Schlarman in 2020 marked a turning point for Kentucky football. Schlarman built the Big Blue Wall, a dominant unit that was once the backbone of Stoops’ success.

Since then, inconsistency on the offensive line has plagued the Wildcats. Eric Wolford’s brief tenure as offensive line coach only added to the instability as he failed to develop any type of depth. Wolford then left Kentucky during a recruiting trip, heading for Alabama. Wolford then struggled there, and for some reason, Stoops decided to bring him back. He replaced Zach Yenser, who signed an extension in December and was fired in January. Without restoring the line’s former glory, it is tough to see much of an improvement. Wolford being back inspires little confidence.

In 2023, Kentucky gave up 22 sacks, which was 43rd nationally, while at Alabama, Wolford's unit gave up 49 sacks, which was 122nd. When Yesnser said he was a little surprised by the firing, especially so soon after an extension, I think all fans were, too.

Stoops today said they needed help at tackle, but just last year, they dipped into the portal at the tackle position. Marques Cox, a transfer tackle expected to solidify the left tackle spot, failed to live up to expectations, further highlighting recruiting and development gaps.

Quarterback woes and stagnation on both sides of the ball

Quarterback recruiting and transfers have been another sore spot. Former 5-star Brock Vandagriff underwhelmed, leading to a benching. Even before then, Kentucky lured Gavin Wimsatt out of the portal, meaning they were not sold on Brock even before the season.

The offense remains stagnant despite multiple coordinator changes, each implementing similar conservative schemes that are slow, boring, and lackluster.

To make matters worse, Kentucky’s lack of aggression—rarely blitzing—mirrors Stoops’ cautious coaching style, which often plays not to lose. The one time most fans can even recall him going for it, it resulted in the only positive so far this season: beating Ole Miss. The defense is giving up yards by the bunch, and the offense can't gain ground. Playing conservatively while also playing badly is a recipe for a bad season.

Systemic Failures or Coaching Limitations?

Stoops’ emphasis on hard work and resources is valid, but these issues point to deeper problems in the program. Missed opportunities in the transfer portal and timid game management have created a cycle of mediocrity.

Stoops’ reluctance to take risks and repetitive offensive philosophies leave little room for optimism without significant change.

If Kentucky can indeed be "fixed," it first requires acknowledging who broke it. Until Stoops confronts his own coaching limitations, no amount of hard work will fix it. Fans may face another season of the same mistakes if Stoops can't change, and there's been no indication of that happening.