Brad White’s defense gave Kentucky everything it could possibly give Saturday night, and then some. It was a performance that deserved to be celebrated with a victory cigar, not lamented after another agonizing defeat. It only gets worse for them from here.
Suffocating the Longhorns
Against a sputtering Texas offense, the Kentucky defense was simply suffocating. They held the Longhorns to a stunning 179 total yards and only 8 first downs for the entire game, including overtime. Highly-touted quarterback Arch Manning was held to just 132 passing yards and kept out of the end zone. Texas converted only 5 of 16 (31%) third downs.
It was a masterful display of preparation, execution, and relentless effort.
Redemption and praise
After facing criticism following rough patches earlier in the season, this unit responded exactly how championship defenses do. Mark Stoops praised defensive coordinator Brad White’s adjustments and the players' execution.
“I really greatly appreciate the way they responded,” Stoops said. “They responded the way we expected them to and played extremely hard. Coaches did a great job.” He specifically highlighted cornerback Terhyon Nichols for playing "one of his best games."
Defensive lineman Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace echoed the sentiment: “We knew our opponent very well… We did a great job executing our gameplan.” They will need another huge effort this Saturday.
An effort undone by others
The defense did its job, emphatically. They gave the offense countless opportunities. They bowed up after special teams breakdowns, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. They even got the crucial stop on 3rd down in overtime before the game-winning kick.
It’s not hyperbole to say Kentucky’s defensive game plan and execution were good enough to beat almost anyone. But football isn’t won by one unit alone. Once again, a brilliant defensive performance was completely undermined by an offense that couldn’t finish drives and special teams that gifted points and field position.
Brad White and his players deserved to walk off that field winners. Instead, they got another painful reminder that their best might still not be enough if the other phases don't hold up their end. And this week may be much, much worse.
Tennessee's offense is rolling
The Vols will be coming in hot after a loss down in Tuscaloosa. Their offense is led by Joey Aguilar who was nicked up in that loss is expected to "be ready to go," according to head coach Josh Heupel. Aguilar leads a fast and furious offense that is averaging 39.5 points per game (6th in the nation), and 478.7 yards per game (10th in the nation).
They look to get the tempo going and keep it going. If they can get into a rhythm there as good as anyone in the country. The key will be keeping them out of that rhythm. That will be the job of Brad White this week.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion