First Down Kentucky: A Reassuring Stat for the 2024 Cats

It’s a tricky time for Kentucky football fans. The summer is typically reserved for unbridled optimism around the Big Blue Nation. Those expectations hit a wall over the last two falls with a pair of disappointing 7-6 campaigns.

We’re now entering a new era of college football. There are 16 teams in the SEC competing to be one of the 12 teams in the CFB Playoff. Even though Kentucky has the most experienced roster in the SEC, they will face one of the five most difficult schedules in all of college football.

So where does that leave us?

There’s uncertainty on offense with a new quarterback and offensive coordinator. The once-reliable secondary finished 11th in the SEC in pass defense last fall. While perusing the internet, I discovered a statistic that should reassure fans, and embolden the Kentucky head football coach.

For years, fans clamored for a more prolific passing offense, all while Mark Stoops was quick to point out a rushing statistic. In the SEC, teams who out-rushed their opponent won 90% of the time. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist. This trend somewhat still applies to the Wildcats.

The Athletic published an exercise highlighting the X-factors for every SEC team. This statistic popped off the page. “Kentucky was 6-1 last year when it held opponents under 100 rushing yards, but 1-5 in the others.“

If that trend continues, the Wildcats should be in excellent shape in 2024. The Kentucky defensive line is stout, anchored by All-American candidate Deone Walker. This fall the Wildcats will deploy two of the best run-stuffing linebackers in the SEC, Jamon Dumas-Johnson and D’Eryk Jackson. If Kentucky’s success hinges on its ability to stop the run, these Wildcats will be among the best in the SEC.

The Deone Walker Play We Forget About

Speaking of Deone Walker, let’s take a moment to reflect on just how incredible this guy is. Deone has always cited his tackle for loss in The Swamp in 2022 as a turning point. When I think of No. 0’s dominance, that play comes to mind. The thing is, it’s not even his most jaw-dropping play against Florida.

Last year’s win over the Gators was defined by Ray Davis‘ dominance, as it should. The guy ran for 280 yards and scored four touchdowns. It’s one of the best individual performances in school history.

Before Davis ran wild, Deone Walker did something that no 6-foot-6, 330-pound defensive tackle should be able to do. He dropped back into pass coverage on third down, cleaned a Gators’ clock, and forced an interception. Ten months later, it’s still incomprehensible.

This is a play that should never get swept under the rug. My dude @deonewalker0 was trying to chop that man in half! 👀#BBN #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/xlOuzJTRif

— KentuckyBrother☝️ (@KentuckyBrother) July 5, 2024

The Highest-Graded Kentucky Wildcat

Deone Walker is one of the highest-graded returning defensive tackles in college football this fall. However, he’s not the best to ever do it for the Cats. PFF began collecting data for college football programs in 2014. The highest-graded Wildcat in their database is Chris Rodriguez. A top-five rusher in school history, in 2022 Rodriguez averaged 6.1 yards per carry to rush for 1,379 yards and nine touchdowns.

Highest Graded Player on Every SEC Team in the PFF Era⭐️ pic.twitter.com/HxYCJ93oC5

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 5, 2024

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