As 2024 closes, Kentucky football fans are left reflecting on a season that can only be described as a disaster. Preseason optimism from some corners proved wildly misplaced as the Wildcats stumbled to a dismal 4-8 record. Let’s revisit some of the boldest takes and assess how they aged over the course of a forgettable campaign.
The Playoff Pipe Dream
While it isn’t likely, the path to 9-3 and being in the College Football Playoff isn’t crazy for Kentucky
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) August 18, 2024
This is how they would do it pic.twitter.com/webHHIOx7c
Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio sparked preseason buzz with his bold claim that Kentucky could chart a path to a 9-3 record and even sneak into the College Football Playoff. Losses to Georgia, Tennessee, and one other team, he suggested, would still leave room for the Wildcats to make some noise nationally. Instead, Kentucky struggled mightily, failing to muster more than 21 points in any game against a Power 5 opponent and limping to a 4-8 finish and only 1 SEC win.
Bush Hamdan’s Offense: Not the Fix Fans Hoped For
Another season of exciting Kentucky football offense pic.twitter.com/8L0oJdY3xW
— Justin Allen (@justinallen1414) September 7, 2024
When Kentucky hired Bush Hamdan as offensive coordinator, Adam Luckett of KSR expressed optimism, praising Hamdan’s ability to deliver a balanced offense that “stays ahead of the chains and finishes drives with points.” Reality painted a starkly different picture:
- Points Per Game: 21.9 (92nd nationally)
- Plays Per Game: 64 (101st nationally, slower than Rich Scangarello’s much-criticized 2022 offense)
- Red Zone Scoring Percentage: 76.92% (113th nationally)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 185.9 (well below Hamdan’s Boise State numbers)
- Rushing Efficiency: 3.9 yards per carry, with only 11 rushing touchdowns all season.
Fans were skeptical of the Hamdan hire from the outset, and the results seem to have validated their concerns.
Brock Vandagriff: A Heisman Candidate?
Brock Vandagriff checks all the boxes.
— KSR (@KSRonX) December 5, 2023
As Kentucky pursues the former 5-star talent, KSR asked Georgia Insider @RustyMansell_ what the talented QB brings to the table.
"He’s a big ass kid. He’s 6’3 legit. He’s got a freaking live arm. He is mobile. He is put together."
MORE:… pic.twitter.com/QCaQrpDnan
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach wrote here that Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff was a “sleeper Heisman candidate” in the preseason. Vandagriff’s campaign fizzled behind a porous offensive line, ineffective playcalling, and an offense that failed to establish any rhythm at all. He was benched numerous times for Gavin Wimsatt and ultimately Cutter Boley.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As fans endure another long offseason, questions abound about the program’s direction. Will Kentucky learn from its mistakes and address its glaring deficiencies? After 2024, it’s clear that bold takes need to be tempered with a dose of reality. For now, Big Blue Nation can only hope that better days lie ahead. Mark Stoops for his part seems to be loading up on run blocking and running backs while seeking WRs that can block. Will a return to only ground and pound work?