Offended by boring offense

There is no imagination in UK’s football playbook.

In the 2017 Florida game, UK had a two-score lead, momentum and an intercepted pass. That advantage prompted coaches to abandon “play to win” and initiate “play not to lose.” Three runs later they gave the football and the momentum back to Florida. The rest is history.

The coaches have a convenient excuse for their lack of imagination in the red zone. Linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties are stacked a few yards from the football, reading their cues. With UK’s skillful backfield, a fake motion that moves the defense in the wrong direction a half-stride will produce touchdowns as opposed to field goals.

Stephen Johnson is a clever ball handler, skillful passer and adept runner. He has the skill to feint the football’s location, then run, pitch or pass, depending on the half-stride. Gifted Benny Snell Jr. complements Johnson. Apply imagination to their extraordinary skills and, as the late Jimmy Durante used to say, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

UK coaches should discard their fear of Sunday morning quarterbacks and experiment with imagination in the upcoming bowl game. The likely revelation will ensure that the 2018 football season will not be a duplication of 2017.

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Offended by boring offense."