Takeaways From Kentucky’s 2019 Spring Football Game
Mark Stoops’ seventh Wildcat team wrapped up spring practice with the annual Blue-White Game. In front of a crowd of 16,665 at Kroger Field the Blue team defeated the White 64-10. There was a lot of good, and some bad, so let’s begin our takeaways from Kentucky’s 2019 spring football game.
Terry Wilson Looked Very Sharp
Throughout the spring offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and quarterbacks coach Darrin Hinshaw raved about his improvement. Tonight it showed as Wilson completed 10 of 12 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He hit Lynn Bowden with 42 yard score on the games first series.
Come for the TD pass.
Stay for the celebration.@UKFootball keeping it 💯 pic.twitter.com/qHIeYgxDeY— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 13, 2019
Following the game Stoops commented on Wilson’s big play capability. “I saw some good explosive plays; I was pleased to see that. We’ve been working hard all off-season to convert opportunities.” A much improved Wilson under center could mean big things in 2019.
In addition to Wilson backup quarterback Gunnar Hoak had a strong game as well. Playing for the white and then later the blue squads Hoak threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
Big Plays On Offense
For years True Blue Fans have wanted Gran to open up the playbook and throw down field. In the Blue-White game they got just that. Along with Bowden’s score Isaiah Epps had a 60 yard pass for another touchdown. Furthermore redshirt freshman Bryce Oliver led everyone with eight receptions for 105 yards. The offense ran up a incredible 774 yards during the scrimmage.
A Three Pronged Running Attack
While no one is going to be able to replace Benny Snell, the Cats have many weapons in the backfield. A.J, Rose ran for 86 yards and three touchdowns and was named the game’s MVP.
1⃣1⃣ carries
8⃣6⃣ yards
3⃣ touchdowns @ajrose_10 is our player of the game #BringIt pic.twitter.com/p2c2TQ1zeH— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 13, 2019
In addition to Rose another running back Kavosiey Smoke also had a huge game. He only ran the ball five times, however he made them count with 132 yards on the ground. His first touch was an electrifying 87 yard touchdown.
https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1116834812759818240
Kentucky’s third running back Chris Rodriguez added 71 yards and another score. For the game the Cats rushed for 302 yards between the two squads.
The Defense Left A Lot To Be Desired
As we continue with takeaways from Kentucky’s 2019 spring football game let’s look at the one negative, the defense. Obviously it’s just a scrimmage but giving up 74 points and 774 yards is in no way good. Following the game many fundamental mistakes left Stoops pretty upset.
“Today was probably the most sloppy day we’ve had. There were some big plays and I like to see that.” Stoops went on to say, “overall what you are looking for is good hard-nosed fundamental football and I saw a lot of sloppy play out there.”
Not only does Kentucky have to replace potential top three NFL Draft pick Josh Allen but virtually the entire secondary. Kash Daniel did not play tonight which definitely hurt. However there were many instances in a scrimmage atmosphere where you can’t sack the quarterback that led to some of the big plays.
Linebackers Jordan Wright and Jared Casey are two players who stood out on defense. Wright had an interception and would have had several sacks. The true freshman Casey led the white squad with six tackles and a quarterback hurry.
It’s a long way between now and the September 1st opener against Toledo. However the Cats look primed for another really good campaign in 2019. Thanks for checking out our takeaways from Kentucky’s 2019 spring football game here at Last Word On College Football.
Don’t forget we have the tournament ongoing to pick the school’s greatest football victory. Stay with us throughout the spring and summer as we get you ready for another big season of Wildcat football.
