Connect with us

Football

Thoughts on the UK Football Blue-White Game

Published

on

Whoa, 64-10?

Yes, that was the final score in the 2019 version of the Kentucky Football Spring Game. A lot of offense, but not a lot of defense. And Mark Stoops was the first to say that.

“It can look good for the offense, sloppy for the defense,” Stoops said after the game.

Advertisement

The first team QB’s combined went 15-16, 244 yards, 2 TD’s, and had 15.25 yards per attempt.

Both offenses combined for 774 yards of offense, which would win a few games. But, Stoops wasn’t a fan.

“Today was really probably the most sloppy day we’ve had. There were some big plays. I like to see that. I like to see the explosive plays, but overall what you’re always looking for is good, hard-nosed, fundamental football and I saw a lot of sloppy play out here today.”

With it being a Spring Game, maybe there was some lazy play out there? Stoops addressed that too, saying there was a “lack of competitiveness” on the defensive side.

Kentucky had a great defense last year, and part of the reason for that was they were a bunch of veterans who had improved mightily.

Advertisement

This year, that isn’t the case. The offense is going to be fun to watch, but the defense will be very frustrating at times.

But, with all that, Stoops is still excited about this group.

“We’re going to be a darn good team when it’s all said and done. I’m confident of that. I probably aggravate myself when you split the teams like this. Trust me, I’m excited about this group.”

Folks, it’s a Spring Game, so I definitely wouldn’t get too down on the defense. They will develop and be ready by the season opener on August 31st.

Take a look at the stats below

Advertisement

Advertisement

Football

Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills

Published

on

Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been selected No. 109 by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker stands at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, making the former Wildcat one of the biggest defensive lineman not only in the draft, but in the history of the NFL.

Since earning a starting spot as a true freshman, to now exploding with excitement when he heard his name called, Walker’s unique blend of mobility and enthusiasm will cement him as one of the most beloved Kentucky players in program history.

Advertisement

Earning All-SEC honors and letting his disruptive play become the Wildcats’ identity, Walker will now cause terror for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to go alongside his former teammate Maxwell Hairston, who was selected by the Bills in the first round.

Ray Davis also welcomed BBN to Bills Mafia moments after the selection.

The main worry about Walker not only has been his back injury that he played with all of last season, but what technique he’ll be able to play due to his stature that’s unlike any other.

However, even the NFL admitted that Walker could dominate the league.

Advertisement

Before the draft, Walker visited with the Buffalo Bills, who emphasized interior pressure heavily last season, which is right up his alley. He’s been evaluated as one that can be a high-level backup or a potential starter as the season goes on.

The Bills are taking a swing with Walker, but many who watched him every Saturday at Kroger Field will tell you that this is a home-run pick.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills

Published

on

Maxwell Hairston
Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston has officially started the next chapter of his career, selected No. 30 by the Buffalo Bills in the late first round.

At 6-foot-1 and 186 pounds, Hairston has come a long way since signing with the Wildcats as a 3-star prospect out of Michigan in 2021.

Although he missed five games this past season due to injury,  Hairston was still selected to Second-Team All-SEC with 19 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and four deflections.

Advertisement

“Mad Max” took a huge jump in the draft boards after running the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks in Indianapolis, completing the drill in just 4.28 seconds.

At 21 years old, Hairston brings a level of experience from the toughest conference in college football, the SEC, to go along with elite speed and length to make him a potential starter for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

As one of the few invited to the NFL Draft, Big Blue Nation had a good look at Hairston with his family before his name was called.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the former Wildcats’ name just before the night ended, making the West Bloomfield native’s dreams come true.

Advertisement

Ray Davis went to social media to share his excitement to have a familiar face in the locker room.

The National Football League shared an emotional video of Hairston embracing his father after the Bills drafted him.

Time will tell how Hairston’s role will pan out in the league, but rest assured, “Mad Max” will go down as one of the best defensive players in the Mark Stoops era.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer

Published

on

New Mexico State University Athletics

The Wildcats bolstered their backfield with the addition of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan on April 20, per KSR’s Nick Roush.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, McGowan brings size and downhill power to Kentucky’s offense. Coming off a productive season at New Mexico State, he rushed for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores through the air.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, McGowan originally signed with Oklahoma and logged 370 rushing yards, three touchdowns and 201 receiving yards with one touchdown during his lone season with the Sooners.

Advertisement

On May 7, 2021, McGowan was removed from Oklahoma following his involvement in a legal case in which he was arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime in December of that year.

After a stint at NAIA school Texas College in 2022, where he did not see game action, McGowan continued his path back to Division I football, playing six games with Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State for the 2024 season.

Now, with his past behind him, McGowan has a chance to turn the page and contribute in a major way to the Wildcats’ offense.

Running backs coach Jay Boulware, who helped Oklahoma sign McGowan out of high school, likely played a role in bringing him to Kentucky, where he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

Advertisement

Along with Nebraska transfer Dante Dowdell, McGowan could be a part of a versatile and punishing backfield tandem for the Wildcats. While Dowdell brings a physical, downhill rushing style, McGowan’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game adds a dynamic layer to offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s pro-style system, which emphasizes balance and explosive playmaking.

Continue Reading

Trending