In the early stages of the 2023 season, the Kentucky Wildcats were dominant on the ground. They bulldozed through their first four opponents, averaging an impressive 130 rushing yards per game. However, their most outstanding rushing performance came in game five against Florida, where they amassed a staggering 329 yards on the ground. Leading the charge was running back Ray Davis, who racked up an impressive 280 yards, falling just 19 yards short of the all-time UK record.
Unfortunately, since their remarkable performance against Florida, the Wildcats’ rushing attack has experienced a decline in productivity. In their matchups against formidable teams like Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Alabama, Kentucky has averaged a mere 102.2 rushing yards per game. Their latest game against No. 8 Alabama saw a lackluster performance, with the Wildcats only managing 95 rushing yards, 74 of which came from a late fourth quarter run by Ramon Jefferson.
Head coach Mark Stoops fully acknowledges the need for improvement in the running game for the team’s overall offensive success. Stoops expressed his concerns, stating, “I think our yards per attempt were not very impressive if you take that run (by Jefferson) out… We need to be a little more efficient. We need to get back to the point of attack. We have to do a better job.”
Stoops emphasized the importance of utilizing the team’s power run game and inside runs to gain crucial yards. He is urging his players, including the offensive line, tight ends, and running backs, to regain their physicality and secure those tough yards. The Wildcats must find a way to blend their perimeter plays with their power run game to achieve balance and effectiveness.
As Kentucky prepares to face off against South Carolina this week, Stoops remains unwavering in his focus. While spoiling the Gamecocks’ season is a possibility, Stoops is single-mindedly dedicated to what this game means for his own team. He remarked, “Zero influence on me on what happens to them… I think that motivation is more of what we’re concerned about – us. Trying to get another win, get to .500 in the SEC, and improve our placement.”
South Carolina’s defense has shown vulnerability against the run, allowing an average of 145.2 rushing yards per game this season. In contrast, Kentucky’s rushing offense has averaged 136.5 yards per game. The Wildcats are hopeful of reigniting their rushing attack against the Gamecocks, understanding that a successful ground game might be the key to victory in a challenging environment in Columbia.
