Kentucky Prepared to Answer Running Game Questions

Run The Damn Ball. The moniker popularized by the Indianapolis Colts became the mantra for the Big Blue Wall as Lynn Bowden knifed through Kentucky opponents in 2019. The offensive line built on that dominance into 2021, boasting All-Americans and future pros as Joe Moore Award finalists.

The Big Blue Wall has been looking for answers ever since. After a disastrous 2022, there were steady improvements last fall. Now the Wildcats believe they’re ready to show Big Blue Nation that they can dominate up front.

“We just go out there and kick the defense’s ass every day, no cap,” offensive tackle Gerald Mincey said with a smirk.

The defense he’s referring to is Kentucky’s. The preseason battles against the stout defensive line have been a grind and that’s brought the new-look offensive line closer together.

“When we’re all dying out there in practice, we come together. That’s what makes it worth it, the adversity we all face as a group,” said Mincey. “We know that Eli (Cox)’s out there dying and I’m out here dying, that’s just going to make us keep working.”

Kentucky has Uncertainty at Running Back

Kentucky addressed almost every question on the roster with offseason additions via the transfer portal. The only problem is, they’re already without one of those answers. Chip Trayanum was expected to carry a heavy workload after bruising for Ohio State over the last two seasons. A preseason injury will likely sideline him for at least the first two games of the 2024 campaign.

“I think we’re excited to see. That’s a position where you just never really know,” said offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan.

“Right now, Demie (Sumo-Karngbaye) is the only guy with game experience. Is there a little bit of nervousness of what it’s gonna look like? Absolutely. But at the same time, as you guys know, that’s what college football is all about. Sometimes they’ll surprise you in a good way, sometimes in not as good a way, so we’re excited to see that group. I think they got a chip on their shoulder and certainly have a big opportunity for them on Saturday.”

Freshman Jason Patterson impressed the coaches when he arrived in time for spring practice. After redshirting last fall, Jamarion Wilcox has shown this summer that “he’s got juice.” Even so, playing freshmen in the SEC is not for the faint of heart. While the play-caller isn’t quite sure what to expect will happen when they step between the white lines, Mincey and the offensive line are confident they will be able to run the football.

“With our O-line, you could even put Coach Bush out there and have 200 yards,” said Mincey. “On the O-line, we just gotta play together, first things first, and play hard.”

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