The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for a Kentucky football team still searching for its identity. After a 2-1 start filled with inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, this week off provided a crucial opportunity to self-scout, reset, and fix the glaring issues that could derail their SEC season before it truly begins.
Mark Stoops has already stated his team is "going to push hard and do a lot of work." To turn this season around, that work must be focused on three critical areas.
1. Permanently solve the center-qb exchange
This is priority number one. The recurring issues with the center-quarterback exchange, primarily involving center Jager Burton, are drive-killers that an SEC team cannot afford. A fumbled snap kills momentum, ruins offensive rhythm, and can lead to catastrophic turnovers. While it only happened twice against Eastern Michigan, once is more than enough to go back to the drawing board. Whether the solution is more reps, a personnel change, or simplifying the snap count, this problem must be eradicated completely during the bye week. The offense has no chance to succeed if it can't execute the most basic play in football.
2. Solidify the offensive identity around Cutter Boley
After simplifying the offense for the Eastern Michigan game, the unit looked more comfortable and explosive with freshman Cutter Boley at the helm. This week should have been the time to lean into that identity fully. The coaching staff needs to build the entire game plan around Boley's strengths, his arm talent and willingness to push the ball downfield. This means refining the pass protection to give him time and designing route concepts that allow his playmakers to get open. Stop experimenting and build the offense around the players who are providing a spark. But instead, heading into the bye week Stoops created even more uncertainty.
3. Eliminate the explosive plays on defense
While the defense has been solid at times, it has been far too susceptible to giving up chunk plays, especially in the passing game. Giving up over 300 yards through the air to teams like Eastern Michigan is a massive red flag with SEC receivers on the horizon. The secondary must improve its communication and tackling to prevent 10-yard gains from turning into 40-yard touchdowns. The bye week should have been spent drilling fundamentals and shoring up coverage assignments to force opposing offenses to earn every single yard. If not the bend but don't break style and possession offense Mark Stoops runs will not work, and Kentucky will be on the end of lopsided losses.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion