As the New Year dawns, it's the perfect time for the Kentucky Wildcats to set their resolutions for both football and basketball. As everyone does, both programs need to sit down and prioritize where they should go in 2025 and beyond.
Kentucky Football's New Year's Resolutions:
- Better Playcalling: In the 2024 season, the Wildcats averaged 330.4 total yards per game, with 184.8 passing yards and 145.6 rushing yards. To compete at a higher level, increasing these numbers is essential. A more dynamic offense can alleviate pressure on the defense and lead to more victories.
- Find a starting QB, and one to develop: With the recent retirement of quarterback Brock Vandagriff, who passed for 1,593 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 11 games, and the addition of Zach Calzada, formerly of Incarnate Word and Texas A&M, focusing on developing quarterback depth is crucial. Stone Saunders and Cutter Boley seem most ready to take the next step. Ensuring that the quarterback position is well-prepared and versatile will be vital for the team's offensive success beyond 2025.
- Win a home SEC game- The Cats have not won a home SEC game since September 30 2023. That has to change.
Kentucky Basketball's New Year's Resolutions:
- Maintain High-Scoring Offense: The Wildcats boast an impressive average of 89.1 points per game, ranking 3rd nationally. Continuing this offensive prowess will be key to their success in the SEC and beyond as the SEC is loaded with high scoring teams.
- Tighten Defensive Play: Allowing 72.8 points per game places them 227th nationally in points allowed. That needs to get back down under 70 to be a good defensive team.
- Better 3-point shooting: Recent performances have seen a slump in three-point shooting, averaging just 29.8% over the last seven games until the Brown game. Considering the 3 is a huge part of Mark Pope's offense, it needs to get back on track.
There you have it, each teams resolutions. BBN what are your resolutions? Happy New Year!