Kentucky has significant situational football problem

The Kentucky football team is reeling after consecutive division losses. The Wildcats have allowed 89 points over the last eight quarters of football, and the passing game is in a deep four-game funk. Head coach Mark Stoops has a long list of problems to get corrected before game prep officially begins for Tennessee. The biggest problem facing the Wildcats could be in situational football.

Kentucky currently ranks No. 82 in third down efficiency (38.57%) on offense. The Cats rank No. 107 in third down efficiency (43.88%) on defense. This football team has issues extending drives and getting off the field. That is noticeable, but it is not this team’s biggest problem. Losing control at the end of the first half has been a glaring weakness for Kentucky in conference play.

The “Middle 8” is a key part of any football game that includes the last four minutes of the second quarter and the first four minutes of the third quarter. Quite often, teams can create double-dip possessions in this critical part of the game. Many times, a winner is determined in another version of situational football. Kentucky has not been up to the task in the middle eight this season.

Kentucky’s middle 8 scoring

• Vanderbilt 13, Kentucky 0
• Florida 7, Kentucky 7
• Georgia 10, Kentucky 7
• Missouri 10, Kentucky 0

Kentucky was up 24-0 and on absolute cruise control. Instead of ending the game in the third quarter and getting backups some valuable game reps, the Wildcats had to play deep into the fourth quarter after a quick blitz more than sawed the lead in half. Against Florida, a large lead was decreased before the half after a two-minute touchdown drive was allowed.

Things would only get worse over the next two weeks.

Georgia was able to score 10 quick points before half turning a blowout into an ugly blowout. Kentucky would then turn a 14-0 lead quickly into a 20-14 deficit as a two-minute touchdown drive and an opening second half possession turnover flipped the game against Missouri.

Kentucky is getting blistered in the Middle 8. That has to change sooner rather than later. More losses could be coming if the Wildcats do not make some significant strides in situational football.