Defense dominates, passing game erupts in Kentucky's shutout win

The result was never in doubt between Kentucky and Youngstown State on Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field. But there was some sloppy football played by the Big Blue in Week 3.

The passing game and the defense flexed their muscles in the 31-0 victory, but turnovers and a slow start kept the offense from having a monster performance. KSR is live from the press box to provide some instant takeaways as Kentucky is now 15-3 in its last 18 games.

Will Levis post big numbers

For the second time this season, Will Levis powered the offense with an impressive passing performance. The redshirt senior was dialed in from the start and flashed some of the athletic traits that make him such a tantalizing prospect.

Low key ridiculous throw by @will_levis pic.twitter.com/wqK9VocKKp

— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 17, 2022

Levis threw for 377 yards in the blowout win on 35 passes averaging 10.8 yards per attempt. The leader of Kentucky’s passing offense posted a high success rate (62.9%) and connected on eight completions of 15-plus yards. Levis got off to another very fast start completing 12 of his first 13 passes as he looked to be in total control.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for QB1.

On the offense’s third possession, Levis attempted to thread the needle to Barion Brown and ended a red zone possession with an interception. Holding a 28-0 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, a ball sailed on the quarterback over the middle of the field ending a scoring opportunity with an interception.

Taking care of the football was a big emphasis in the offseason for Levis, and the Penn State transfer has now thrown five interceptions in his last four games dating back to last season. Meanwhile, the quarterback took some avoidable sacks as the offense allowed four and has given up 11 through three games this season. Levis currently has a very high sack rate (10.8%) through four games.

There are many things to clean up, but the quarterback is producing a high level of efficiency (54.9% success rate) and is creating a lot of big plays (9.7 yards per attempt). Now the offense just needs to eliminate all of the havoc plays defenses are producing with the pass rush.

Defense makes another statement

Kentucky’s defense entered Saturday having not recorded a shutout since 2009. We’re in year 10 of the Mark Stoops era, and the Cats had yet to post a donut on the scoreboard.

That changed on Saturday afternoon.

Kentucky limited an explosive Youngstown State offense to a low success rate (20%) as the Penguins produced only three plays of 20-plus yards on 45 snaps. The defense logged a high havoc rate (31.1%) led by a strong pass defense that created seven pass breakups.

On the ground, All-American tailback Jaleel McLaughlin was limited to 36 yards on 10 rushes as the Penguins averaged 4.3 yards per play. Backed up, Kentucky allowed zero points on three second-half scoring opportunities for the Penguins highlighted by a huge red zone interception on a great effort play from Carrington Valentine.

Since the first possession of the season that saw Miami (Ohio) march 75 yards, no offense has put together a long TD drive against the Cats. The defense has only allowed two touchdowns total through 12 quarters of football.

Defensive coordinator Brad White has a dominant unit.

Now we wait on J.J. Weaver’s status

It wasn’t all great news for Kentucky’s defense. On the first possession of the game, Kentucky lost the redshirt junior J.J Weaver on what appeared to be a left elbow injury. That would be a significant loss.

The Louisville (Ky.) Moore product was outstanding in last week’s win against Florida. The Cats have a real schematic advantage against offenses as the versatility of Weaver and Jordan Wright allows the defense to play with size but not give up a ton of athletic ability.

A sustained absence for Weaver would lower the ceiling for the defense. Mark Stoops does not believe the former four-star recruit will be out for the season but the status of the injury is currently unknown. Kentucky needs No. 13 back as soon as possible.

Negative plays torpedo run game

Kentucky did have some promising results in the traditional run game on Saturday. Kavosiey Smoke and La’Vell Wright combined to record a solid 47.8 percent success rate on 23 attempts but the negative plays eliminated nearly all of the progress.

Smoke recorded five carries for negative yardage as the bad plays ruined what could have been a solid rushing performance. For the game, Kentucky posted 129 non-sack rush yards on 32 attempts but the numbers should have been much higher.

Youngstown State recorded 10 tackles for loss in 71 snaps as the Big Blue Wall had a lot of issues in limiting penetration without starting right guard Tashawn Manning. There is still a lot to clean up before the Cats host Northern Illinois next week.

Lost turnover battle

After struggling with turnover margin last season, Kentucky had done a good job through eight quarters. The Cats won the battle (+1) against Florida after recording two interceptions and played Miami (Ohio) to a draw.

Against Youngstown State, the Cats lost the turnover battle (-2) for the first time this season.

Two interceptions by Levis ended scoring opportunities without points, and a fumble by Wright gave YSU great field position on a Middle 8 possession. Luckily, Kentucky’s defense was there to save the day.

The three turnovers took away a potential 14-21 points as a blowout was kept closer longer than it should’ve been on Saturday.