It’s one thing to struggle against elite defenses in the SEC. It’s another to consistently look inept. That’s where Bush Hamdan’s offense sits after yet another poor showing.
Hamdan, fired at Washington before rebounding with a balanced and successful run at Boise State, was hired at Kentucky to deliver a physical, run-heavy attack. The numbers at Boise supported the hire, over 214 rushing yards per game and nearly 436 total yards in 2023. But that production has not translated to the SEC.
SEC results under Hamdan
2024: 1–7
South Carolina: 6 pts, 0 TD, 44 pass yds, 139 rush yds (2.9 YPP) — L 31–6
Georgia: 12 pts, 0 TD, 114 pass yds, 170 rush yds (3.9 YPP) — L 13–12
Ole Miss: 20 pts, 2 TD, 243 pass yds, 93 rush yds (4.5 YPP) — W 20–17
Vanderbilt: 13 pts, 2 TD, 158 pass yds, 165 rush yds (5.6 YPP) — L 20–13
Florida: 14 pts, 2 TD, 165 pass yds, 144 rush yds (4.5 YPP) — L 48–20
Auburn: 10 pts, 1 TD, 154 pass yds, 70 rush yds (4.1 YPP) — L 24–10
Tennessee: 18 pts, 2 TD, 192 pass yds, 168 rush yds (5.6 YPP) — L 28–18
Texas: 7 pts, 1 TD, 211 pass yds, 21 rush yds (4.2 YPP) — L 31–14
2025: 0–2
Ole Miss: 23 pts, 2 TD, 187 pass yds, 172 rush yds (5.1 YPP) — L 30–23
South Carolina: 13 pts, 1 TD, 124 pass yds, 108 rush yds (3.9 YPP) — L 35–13
Totals: 1–9 record, 13.6 points per game and no game with more than 2 offensive touchdowns.
The bottom line: Hamdan’s play-calling has been predictable, and Kentucky’s offense is once again a liability. Unless something changes, the Wildcats’ only realistic shot at a win may come against Tennessee Tech on November 15. Fans have rightfully seen enough.
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