Brock Vandagriff vows to improve following performance vs. South Carolina

There are more questions than answers following Kentucky’s 31-6 loss to South Carolina. The biggest is on offense, where the Cats mustered just 183 yards, 44 through the air.

Brock Vandagriff exited the game early in the fourth quarter following a pick-six. It was a rough outing for the Georgia transfer, who finished 3-10 for 30 yards and one interception just one week after a promising debut vs. Southern Miss. That latter figure could have been higher, as South Carolina’s defensive line sent Vandagriff scrambling or to the turf most of the afternoon.

Mark Stoops said that during one of those falls, Vandagriff dinged up his shoulder, which is one reason why he did not return to the game. Gavin Wimsatt replaced him but didn’t have much success, completing three of seven passes for 14 yards and carrying the ball six times for 44 more.

“Brock took a shot on the shoulder down there, on one of those plays,” Stoops said. “And then just trying to get Gavin [Wimsatt] some reps. We wanted to get him [some] last week as well, just get him in there. I mean, clearly we’re having a hard time with pass protection, and so Gavin could scramble a little bit as well and be a dual threat.”

Vandagriff confirmed the injury was to his throwing shoulder, but occurred during the opener vs. Southern Miss. Either way, he refused to use it as an excuse for today’s performance.

“Kind of been a while but maybe back in the first game and stuff. Just something you’ve got to do. The number one part of being a quarterback is toughness and I’m not going to blame anything on that. Just have to play better.”

Clearly, Kentucky’s offensive line didn’t do Vandagriff any favors, due in part to some injuries (more on that in a minute); however, Vandagriff made his fair share of bad decisions. Both he and Stoops gave credit to South Carolina’s defensive line, with Vandagriff vowing to improve moving forward.

“I don’t know if just shaken up, but they clearly affected the quarterback,” Stoops said of the quarterback pressure. “And that’s a good job by them and not good enough by us. So I wouldn’t put it on him personally, but I would credit them. They certainly disrupted him and his comfort level, and that’s what you’re looking for on defense, is affecting the quarterback, whether it’s multiple looks, certainly pressure, and mixing things up. They affected him.”

“South Carolina’s defensive line, they played a great game,” Vandagriff said. “Some of that is definitely on me though. Just have to be able to get the ball out, be able to move around the pocket. Dudes were open. I’ve just got to make sure to do my job and get them the ball and play better back there myself.”

Why exactly wasn’t Kentucky able to get into a rhythm after looking so good vs. Southern Miss? Vandagriff didn’t have the answer but said he’d spend hours in the film room to find out.

“At Kentucky, we see ourselves as just a blue-collar football team. Tough dudes and we just didn’t answer on offense. The defense played their butts off today and definitely in the first half and stuff. We’ve got to be able to move the ball and help those guys out and put some points on the board.”

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Jager Burton’s status heading into Georgia Week

Several Cats were injured in the SEC opener. Offensive tackle Gerald Mincey left the game in the first quarter with a lower leg injury but returned. Defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver and cornerback Maxwell Hairston also exited the game but came back.

The one Wildcat who left the field but didn’t return was Jager Burton. The junior offensive lineman was rolled up on a field goal attempt before halftime and remained in the locker room. Mark Stoops said his status going into the Georgia week is doubtful.

“Jager was not available, and he was out in this game,” Stoops said. “So, it’ll be tough for him to get back by next week.”

The Cats host the No. 1 Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday night. Georgia game aside, the offensive line needs to fix its problems quickly for Kentucky to have a chance at a winning season.