Kentucky is Losing Hidden Yards on Special Teams

During Will Stein‘s first game-week press conference of the season, the new Kentucky head coach vowed to bring an aggressive approach to special teams. “We are going to use our best players in those positions. This isn’t a play off,” said the Kentucky head coach. “This is a play that can truly change the game.” There were about five plays that changed the game against Alabama on special teams, and that’s not even including the ill-fated fake punt call that titled the scales toward the Tide in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss at Kroger Field. Punting Woes The margin of error is slim. Kentucky needed to win in the margins against Alabama, and it got off to a rough start. The Wildcats’ scripted drive advanced the ball into Alabama territory before the drive stalled. Stein chose to play field position and punted the ball away. Thomas O’Hara‘s kick bounced into the end zone for a net punt of 24 yards. Ultimately, the disruptive defensive line ensured it was not a costly mistake, but it was the first of many. Kentucky had net punts of 33, 33, and 36 yards. The Murray State transfer’s best kick of the day got a fortunate bounce, making it a 46-yarder. Stein mentioned multiple times in his postgame comments that Kentucky was not “changing the field” in special teams. That played a role in his decision to roll the dice with a fake punt in the third quarter. If you’re only going to move them back 30 yards on special teams, it’s worth the risk to keep the drive alive on fourth down. Special Teams Penalties Kentucky lost hidden yards on the punt team and while returning punts. For the second straight week, a special teams penalty cost the Cats quality field position. Kentucky had all of the momentum at halftime, thanks to a bright spot for the special teams unit. Adam Zouagui made his second field goal of the season with zeroes on the clock to give the Wildcats a four-point lead. The defense started strong in the second half, forcing Alabama to go three-and-out. Brock Coffman had an exceptional return on the ensuing punt, but there was a flag on the play. Instead of starting the drive at their own 36-yard line, Kentucky was backed up to the 10. That 26-yard loss was two more than Kentucky’s longest offensive play of the game. This Kentucky football team went through some growing pains while searching for its identity against Alabama. Every inch helps, and as Kentucky lost that game of inches, the Tide made them pay.