Kentucky football, led by Mark Stoops, ventured out into uncharted territory, taking on the #3-ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin, the furthest west the Wildcats have ever played. Unfortunately, if you have been following this season, the result was all too familiar. A 31-14 loss showcased persistent issues that have plagued Kentucky all season—ineffective offensive line play, a struggling run defense, inconsistent quarterback performances, and a play-caller who looks lost.
Kentucky’s football program has been around since 1881 (143 years).
— WTF Stats (@WTFstats) November 20, 2024
This week’s game at Austin, Tx is the furthest west they’ve EVER traveled for a game. pic.twitter.com/AZEkWQxt92
Brock Vandagriff started at quarterback but struggled to find rhythm, going 3-for-7 with just 51 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Freshman Cutter Boley replaced Vandagriff and provided a spark, completing 10 of 18 passes for 160 yards.
However, a poorly designed offensive scheme hampered any real potential momentum. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s play-calling has drawn ire from fans and analysts alike all season, and Mark Stoops’ confirmation that Hamdan would return for another season—complete with a raise,thanks Mitch,—only amplified the negative feelings for next season. You can read more about what Hamdan has promised versus what has been delivered here.
Mark Stoops says Bush Hamdan will return in 2025. pic.twitter.com/j3zSA0tUCR
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) November 24, 2024
The defense faced an onslaught from Texas’ powerful rushing attack. The Longhorns racked up 251 rushing yards, led by Quintrevion Wisner (26 carries, 158 yards, and a touchdown) and Jaydon Blue (15 carries for 96 yards and a score). Kentucky’s defensive front, often touted as a strength, was pushed around at the line of scrimmage. Despite standout performances from Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Ty Bryant, who combined for 16 tackles, the Wildcats couldn’t contain the Longhorns’ offensive machine.
One bright spot for Kentucky was a fumble return for a touchdown that temporarily closed the gap to 24-14 in the second half. But the Wildcats never truly threatened to make the game competitive. The offense managed only 21 rushing yards on 30 attempts, further illustrating the line’s struggles, as sacks are counted against the rushing total.
While the scoreboard showed a 31-14 final, anyone watching knew the game wasn’t that close. The Wildcats appeared uninspired, outmatched, and in desperate need of offseason adjustments. The loss leaves fans wondering if brighter days lie ahead—or if this is the new norm for Kentucky football. Speaking of fans, let's see what they are saying:
If you’re still watching Kentucky Football at this point of the season, you are a true fan. That’s for sure.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) November 23, 2024
Kentucky football has to clean house if they want any chance of being good again. This season has completely destroyed the program. #BBN
— Brandon Sparks (@bsparks2523) November 23, 2024
Watching Kentucky play football has become such a chore.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) November 23, 2024
Fans are definitely less than thrilled.
Kentucky Fans: “I’m tired of our football team playing like shit every week”
— Brandon Vincent (Barrel State) (@bvince1993) November 16, 2024
Mark Stoops: pic.twitter.com/X1rrVm3UjW
I would rather watch John Calipari play against a zone than to watch Kentucky Football… #BBN
— Daniel Smith (@ukfandan37) November 23, 2024
The prospect of either one of those doesn't sound good to me, which would you prefer?
Mark Stoops’ teams love the opportunity to fight and not play football.
— Red Cup Kentucky (@KentuckyRedCup) November 23, 2024
Even Texas fans got in on the act:
Got a great backhanded compliment in Texas; “Kentucky has a pretty good football following for a team that isn’t very good.”
— Derick Harper (@CatsKeptHusband) November 24, 2024
Easy fix to Kentucky football.
— Alex Stevenson (@astevenson_12) November 24, 2024
Fire Stoops, Bush, and Wolford.
Hire Sumrall
Make Cutter the starting QB
@KySportsRadio Kentucky fans are the Charlie Brown and the football team is Lucy telling us we have a real chance, just one more year…..
— Wooley (@jtsheepman) November 24, 2024
We will leave you on a positive-ish note:
It used to be a running joke that Kentucky football fans' best attack is...
— BigBlueFlavaFlav🇺🇸 (@KentuckyHypeMan) November 24, 2024
"just wait till basketball season"
It looks like we are back to those days
There are only 3 major sports
At least we can say we are the Top Dawgs in one of them
Most wins ever and back on track#BBN pic.twitter.com/n4o9uCpuSK