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Kentucky Football 2022 Spring Game Notes

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Photo by Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

Today’s spring game was cold and for about 40 minutes, looked like it was going to be a whiteout. However, 40 minutes later it looked much more “springish”.

Despite the weather, the Big Blue Nation got their best look at the Kentucky Football team so far. So let’s break it down.

Will Levis Has Improved

The offense came out with a bang on the first drive. Will Levis completed all four of his passes for 41 yards, with Chris Rodriguez and JuTahn McClain adding in 21 yards as they went on to score with ease. Levis even went for a touchdown dive towards the end of the drive, which Stoops did not particularly like.

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In just two drives, Levis already looked improved under new offensive coordinator and quarterback guru, Rich Scangarello. Outside of the general swagger, Levis looked poised in the pocket, showed excellent decision making, and displayed some improved footwork.

It has been a long time since Kentucky has had such a talented quarterback. Despite a limited playbook, there is a lot to be excited about what Levis can become this season.

Tayvion Robinson and Dane Key Continue to Impress

Kentucky lost their top three receiving options from last season and the 3,000 yards of offensive production that they were responsible for. However, they have brought in several talented wideouts via recruiting and the transfer portal.

Virginia Tech transfer Tavion Robinson and true freshman Dane Key have been the stand-out receivers in spring practice and that was only solidified after today. Both caught 20-yard passes and showed their ability.

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Robinson looked a bit like last season’s Robinson (Wandale) at times today. He notably moved well after the catch, showing his elusiveness and ability to get extra yards. Finishing with 3 catches for 42 yards.

Key, the top-rated prospect in the state of Kentucky in the class of 2022, made some spectacular catches including this dart from Will Levis for a touchdown.

With that said, there were several dropped passes that were on target. If Kentucky wants to have depth at the receiving position, this does need to be cleaned up.

Overall, with 22 different players making a catch today, Kentucky is in much better shape with its passing game compared to recent years.

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Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain

Chris Rodgriguez looked good, but as proven as he is he was only in for one drive. That gave way for Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain today, with each performing well.

Coming out of high school, Drennen was a four-star top-300 recruit in the 2020 class. Understandably, expectations have been high, but they have not been met. Today, Drennen came to play. Showing some impressive versatility and ball skills, he impressed with 10 carries for 43 yards, including two touchdowns.

McClain looked to be in much better shape and showed some nice runs today, totaling 6 runs for 24 yards. His game seems to fit better within Rich Scangarello’s offense as well, giving him the ability to go wide and use the field.

Expect both players to contribute this season and looking into the future, this could be a dangerous combination for SEC defenses.

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Defense Struggled but Had A Bright Spot

On Wednesday, Brad White voiced his frustration with his defense following practice. Early today, he had plenty to complain about today, but with good reason, being a general lack of depth.

With that said, as the scrimmage went on, the defense was able to find some footing, notably redshirt freshman Jordan Lovett. The six-foot-two in-state product, totaled nine tackles, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Until the defense is able to get some of their key pieces healthy, they are not going to look very good.

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Louisville Football Player Charged With First-Degree Strangulation, Days After Committing Game Losing Personal Foul

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Louisville Cardinals defensive back Tayon Holloway (20) reacts to his defensive play.
Eric Canha | Imagn

On Monday, Louisville football defensive back Tayon Holloway was detained and charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault.

This comes just days after the former four-star prospect committed a costly personal foul to put a 2-7 Stanford team in field goal range and upset Louosillve 38-35 with a walk-off field goal.

As expected, Holloway has been indefinitely suspended from the team.

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“The University of Louisville is aware of the arrest of football student-athlete Tayon Holloway,” the university said in a statement. “As we gather more information, Tayon has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.”

Things Cardinals seem to be in a downward trend as the Commonwealth Cup nears, November 30th.

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Kentucky snaps four game losing streak defeats Murray State 48-6

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Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops talking to Murray State football coach Jody Wright.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

Kentucky gets a much-needed victory over Murray St 48-6 to snap its four-game losing Streak. Brock Vandagriff led the way for the Cats, going 12-19 for 183 passing yards and two touchdown passes to Hardley Gilmore IV and Ja’Mori Maclin. 48 Points is the most points Kentucky has scored in a game since 2021 when the Cats scored 51 points against Louisville.

The defense held Murray St. without a touchdown. For the second time this season, Kentucky’s defense has held an opponent without a touchdown.

Freshman Standout today:

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For the second time this season, Kentucky breaks the 40-point mark as three freshmen make impacts for Kentucky. Jamarion Wilcox had 13 carries and 124 yards with a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.

Receiver Hardley Gilmore IV had two receptions for 72 yards and caught the 52-yard touchdown pass from Brock Vandagriff on the game-opening drive.

Four-star quarterback Cutter Boley started the second half for the Cats, going 10-14 and passing for 130 yards with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, both touchdown passes to sophomore receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens.

Defense Bounces Back:

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After giving up over 475 yards of total offense each of the last three games, Kentucky’s defense holds Murray State to 256 total yards of offense while also having three takeaways from the Murray State offense

Defensive Lineman Tre’vonn Rybka led the way for the defense with five tackles and the only sack of the game for Kentucky’s defense. Jordan Lovett had two takeaways in the first half for Kentucky and one in the red zone in the second quarter. Jackson Schultz had the final takeaway, picking off Jim Ogle’s pass late in the fourth quarter.

Box Score

With the win today over Murray St., Kentucky moves to 4-6 (1-6 SEC) with two games remaining. They look to keep their bowl eligibility alive as they travel to Austin, Texas, and face the No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns at 3:30 pm on ABC. 

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Mark Stoops Responds to Retirement Rumors, “Zero Percent Chance I Do That”

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Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops responds to retirement rumors amidst disappointing season. "Zero percent chance I do that."
Jordan Prather | Imagn

To say there is unrest in the Kentucky Football fanbase would be an understatement. With a 3-6 record overall, and 1-6 in the SEC (15th out of 16) things look bleak, and there is still a quarter of the season to go. Considering the regression from the previous two seasons as well, it’s difficult to be optimistic about the future.

Over the last few weeks, rumors have circled that head coach Mark Stoops has considered retiring at the end of the season. Optics wise it makes sense, his older brother Bob Stoops surprisingly retired from Oklahoma at just 56, and Mark, now 57, has expressed a desire to spend more time with his children.

At his weekly press conference, Stoops was asked directly if there is any chance that he would walk away from Kentucky and retire at the season. To which he responded, bluntly:

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“Zero percent chance I do that. Next question.”

Mark Stoops is still owed more than $44 million on his contract. That’s A LOT of money to leave on the table and is the reason that the decision will be Stoops’ to make, as Kentucky cannot afford the buyout.

If Stoops holds true to his word and returns next season, NIL fundraising efforts may be the most difficult it has been for him. However, he hopes it sparks motivation to donate.

“I’ve seen it at other SEC schools,” Stoops said. “I want to stay away from that. I really get tired of — I don’t want to be like I am whining, I am crying. It is reality. You have to have dollars.”

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