Just one week ago, we were wondering if Kentucky’s three-game winning streak meant the defense was officially "back."
Vanderbilt answered that question emphatically and terrifyingly.
The Commodores shredded Kentucky 45-17 (a score that flattered the Cats thanks to garbage time), and they did it by exposing a structural weakness that Louisville will absolutely try to exploit: The Secondary.
A record-breaking disaster against a bad Kentucky defense
Diego Pavia didn't just have a good day; he set a school record. He averaged 12.0 yards per completion. Every time he dropped back, it felt like a first down waiting to happen. The Cats could literally do almost nothing to stop him.
There were communication breakdowns. There were busted coverages. There were players simply getting beat in one-on-one situations. It wasn't just scheme; it was personnel. It was an all systems failure for the Cats in every phase of defense.
Can they stop a wounded bird?
Here is the big twist: Louisville’s offense is falling apart physically and on the field.
- QB Miller Moss is banged up and may not play again this week.
- WR Chris Bell is out after being injured late in the 38-6 loss to SMU.
- The running back room is decimated with perhaps the top 4 RBs out.
Normally, you would lick your chops at that injury report. But after watching Vanderbilt’s receivers run free all afternoon, can we trust this secondary to stop anyone? Even fourth-stringers?
Kentucky’s defensive backfield has been a mess all season, DJ Waller’s absence hurts but the issues go deeper than injuries. It’s spacing. It’s reactions. It is scheme and coaching.
Brad White doesn't need to paint a masterpiece on Saturday. He just needs competence. If the secondary plays like they did in Nashville, it won't matter who is playing quarterback for Louisville.
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