Rich Scangarello Surprised by Lackluster Performance from the Kentucky Offense

Saturday’s game provided the perfect get-right opportunity for the struggling Kentucky offense. The Vanderbilt defense ranked worse than 125th in multiple statistical categories. Rich Scangarello expected the Wildcats to take flight. Instead, his offense floundered.

“I am very surprised. I had high expectations to throw the ball today,” Scangarello said following the 24-21 loss to Vanderbilt. “Sometimes the flow of the game, the weather, things like that. It was limited possessions — they had long possessions, we had some long possessions — all of a sudden you’re in a game where you have eight total possessions and you better make them count. We didn’t in the passing game.”

Vanderbilt was allowing 314 passing yards per game. Will Levis was sacked four times and only completed 11 passes for 109 yards.

“It’s highly disappointing. We had a really good week of practice, we look efficient, we feel ready to go and it’s as simple as you make one more play to score a touchdown early in the game and everything feels different,” said Scangarello. “I was happy that we responded with two scoring drives after they took the lead in the second half, but we can’t wait till the second half to wake up. It’s not acceptable.”

One play in particular stood out to Kentucky’s offensive coordinator. On third and goal Rich Scangarello dialed up a double-move for a wide receiver who went the wrong direction. Instead of getting open to catch a touchdown, his quarterback was sacked. The Cats attempted a field goal to retake the lead and it was blocked.

“This game will humble you. Every game is hard to win,” said UK’s offensive coordinator. “You can never take anything for granted and you gotta be your best in every moment that counts. If you’re not, it’s going to go this way. It was a see-saw game and we didn’t come out on top.”

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