Kentucky entered Saturday night's clash with Tennessee already dealing with a lengthy injury report. By the end of the 56-34 loss, the situation had arguably worsened, raising significant concerns about the team's depth heading into the final stretch of the season.
Seth McGowan sidelined
The biggest question mark entering the game was the status of star running back Seth McGowan. After his incredible return from a hospital visit during the Texas game, McGowan was officially listed as questionable. Ultimately, he could not go. He tried his best though.
Mark Stoops provided a simple, concerning explanation postgame: "He just didn't feel comfortable in securing the ball." Without McGowan, the running game struggled for consistency, putting even more pressure on the passing attack. Dante Dowdell (12 carries, 52 yards) and Jason Patterson (16 carries, 51 yards) handled the workload, the numbers overall were not terrible though.
Receivers reaggravate injuries
Adding to the offensive woes, two key pass-catchers suffered apparent setbacks. Tight end Willie Rodriguez and wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV both left the game with injuries.
"I don't know," Stoops said when asked for an update. "I think Willie, both of them reaggravated injuries they had." Losing Rodriguez, a reliable target, and Gilmore, a potential deep threat, further strains an offense already trying to find its footing. But DJ Miller stepped up, and that will have to continue to happen.
Secondary struggles continue
The defensive injury situation also remains critical. Stoops had hoped the secondary could be a strength this season but admitted injuries have played a role in their struggles (Tennessee threw for 396 yards). "We had to stay healthy, but we didn't stay healthy... It hasn't been good enough," he stated, referencing the cumulative impact of absences like DJ Waller Jr.'s continued unavailability.
With a tough road trip to Auburn looming who won yesterday, the Wildcats desperately need some positive news on the injury front to salvage the remainder of their season.
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