Kentucky offensive line must improve 'detail and focus' to win SEC football games

The Kentucky offensive line has been a much-maligned unit over the last three seasons. The Wildcats had one of the worst starting groups in power conference football in 2022. Positive steps were made in 2023, but it was clear that the program expected more out of this unit. Head coach Mark Stoops brought offensive line coach Eric Wolford to help fix the room.

But the group’s first performance in SEC play was very concerning.

Kentucky was dominated from the jump and simply could not hold up in protection at any point during the game against South Carolina. Horizontal actions were constantly dropped behind the line of scrimmage, and Brock Vandagriff had no time to operate in the pocket. South Carolina might have one of the best defensive fronts in the SEC, but Kentucky cannot operate like that as a unit. It will be nearly impossible to build a competent offense with that kind of play.

The performance was frustrating for super senior center Eli Cox. Not doing the little things piled up for Kentucky’s offensive line.

“Not having a correct fit with our hands for the holding calls. Not getting lined up properly for those penalties,” Cox told the media on Saturday. “I mean that’s just what it is — it’s that detailed execution. Letting the little things slide that you just can’t do in this league.”

“A complete lack of detail and focus and execution on our part. That was what was the most disappointing and frustrating.”

Kentucky must go back to the drawing board. Most notably, the offensive line must figure out a way to play better. The Wildcats cannot succeed on offense with what we saw on Saturday at the line of scrimmage. Cox pointed out a message that Wolford shared with the unit this week. Execution starts with each player focusing on their job.

“To win football games in this league you have to dominate your box,” Cox said. “Everyone has a little box in the game.”

South Carolina dominated the line of scrimmage box on Saturday. Kentucky must fix their problems at the point of attack, and they must fix them quickly, or some more ugly offensive performances in SEC play could be just around the corner.