Cole Cubelic & Greg McElroy's Concerns for Kentucky Football in 2023

I was recently a guest on the “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning Show.” The two hosts are former Auburn center turned SEC Network star Cole Cubelic and Alabama legend quarterback Greg McElroy who now is an ABC/ESPN analyst. 

First, I’ve lived in Alabama. I get the rivalry and it’s a doozy. The Iron Bowl is a 365-day hate fest that divides the state’s population into two categories: “Roll Tide or War Eagle.” The WJOX radio show features both sides of the conflict. Cole and Greg are also highly successful television talking heads. I greatly respect and admire both. Cole and Greg are accurately prepared, well-researched, and have a keen knack for communicating their opinions in a firm and confident manner. I can’t imagine the time that it takes to be able to sensibly discuss all 16 SEC teams and applicable national powers outside the league. I think I’m busy and I cover one. 

The main focus of the segment was the Kentucky defense. I did my normal Brad White fan club pitch. I emphasized the fact that jerseys, numbers, and names may change, but the outcome has been the same over the duration of White’s play-calling career. I also reinforced the positivity and ramifications of Mark Stoops providing defensive overwatch. Then, I dropped a fact that would have stumped even the most thorough SEC enthusiasts. Name the only three SEC teams that have finished in the league’s Top 5 in Total Defense in every season since 2019. The answer is Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. 

Both Cubelic and McElroy had positive reviews on Mark Stoops’ tenure and his team’s tough-guy culture. That opinion is consistent across the nation. Cubelic and McElroy had differing points of emphasis and concerns about the Cats in 2023 that I found fascinating. Outside opinions are excellent for me and provide an azimuth check on my work. Let’s get into it. 

Cole Cubelic wants to see the UK Front Seven vs. Georgia

Cole’s critique focused on the Kentucky front seven and the schedule leading up to the October matchup in Athens. Cubelic indicated that he wants to see how the Wildcats’ defensive line and linebackers stood up against Georgia’s offensive line. He indicated that IF Kentucky can hold its ground and be competitive in that game, then the Wildcats should be able to battle against the remainder of the schedule. 

I agree with my friend here. Kentucky will likely be heavily favored against Ball State, EKU, and Akron. A road trip to Vanderbilt should also see UK favored. Florida at Kroger Field is tricky, but I’d guess that Vegas may slightly favor the Cats in this one. Then, a trip to Athens follows where the two-time defending national champions will be awaiting the Wildcats. Georgia will feature the best OL that Kentucky will have faced at this juncture of the season and all year. Only Bama might be comparable to the Dawgs up front. Makes sense. 

Kentucky played Georgia closer than anyone else in 2022. UGA scored just 16 points. The front seven effectively engaged a year ago. Can the front seven again hold up against Kirby Smart’s juggernaut? We’ll see. That Saturday could provide an indicator of what’s to come after. 

Greg McElroy Has Secondary Concerns 

McElroy leaned on his quarterback mind by voicing concerns about the Kentucky secondary. His opinion came after I discussed UK’s uncertainty at the cornerback position. I also mentioned that the Wildcat safety/nickel positions could be a defensive strength. 

Greg’s point also referenced Kentucky’s schedule. Having corner questions is not an ideal problem to have with Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Missouri, and even Louisville on the slate. I see his point and share in his distress. But, Brad White and Mark Stoops have done a tremendous job overcoming a perceived deficiency at that position before. Kentucky relies on zone defenses for the most part. I also feel that robust linebackers and imposing back third defenders can mask inexperience at cornerback. But, there are still times that the CBs will be one on one scenarios.

McElroy reflected on his respect for Stoops’ program by saying that Kentucky has won games by using the “Sum is greater than each individual part” manner of football. This can also be described as complimentary football. Kentucky has been able to win games by offensively controlling the football and clock which in turn limits opponents’ possessions and opportunities to expose a defensive liability. I get his point and agree totally. I feel that 15 other programs are also feeling anxious and this mainly references one opponent: Tennessee. The Vols can flat-out sling the football all over the field. Rocky Top’s 2022 offensive run has the league somewhat on its heels. 

There was also one concern that both had about the Cats. The uneasiness about Kentucky’s offensive line is universal for fans and neutral parties alike. 

All About the Offensive Line

Both analysts had their doubts about the Kentucky offensive line. I think their viewpoint of the 2022 season was similar to many of us that cover the Cats. Until last season, Kentucky had been an up-front-led program that mashed opposing front sevens on a regular basis. Both internally and externally, the 2022 offensive line play was disturbing to watch. An “F” grade needs to be at least a “C” if Kentucky is to have a chance at a 9 or 10-win season. That’s non-negotiable. Upgrades and position changes have been made. Kenneth Horsey will lead that unit and I have complete confidence in that young man. But, will or can the Big Blue Wall of old resurface?  We’ll see. 

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What Does All This Mean? 

I try to listen to their show when I can. It’s really good. They give each other a hard time and the Iron Bowl rhetoric is never-ending. McElroy gives Cubelic a hard time because Cole is annually bullish on the Cats. Cube has been complimentary of Kentucky for many years now. It was Cubelic that boldly said on television that the Big Blue Wall was one of if not the best offensive lines in the SEC and nation while on the sideline call for the Kentucky vs. Missouri game in 2016. 

Outside and neutral voices are interesting when discussing the team that I love and cover. I learn a great deal from Cubelic and McElroy. Both are extraordinarily conversant and passionate about the football game. KSR will provide more external content from talking heads next month at SEC Media Days. Tyler has coordinated a KSR House for the week in Nashville. We will have you covered on serious football stuff and the ridiculousness that normally accompanies the trip and event. 

65 days. 

Listen to Freddie’s appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” below: