Status of Kentucky Wide Receivers Uncertain ahead of Georgia

Injuries may stack the deck against the Kentucky offense as Liam Coen prepares for the top-ranked team in college football.

Tayvion Robinson and Barion Brown each exited the game in the second half of the Wildcats’ 44-13 win over Florida. It was difficult to discern exactly what was wrong with each player. Brown was celebrating with his team on the sideline and looked fine leaving the locker room. Mark Stoops was unsure how banged up his wide receivers were after the game. He didn’t have much more to offer at his Monday press conference.

“I can’t get into all that right now,” said Stoops. “I really don’t (know). We’ll see how the week goes.”

Brown and Robinson are tied atop the Kentucky leaderboard with 19 receptions apiece. Robinson has two more touchdowns and a few more receiving yards, hauling in a team-high 308 this fall.

Kentucky Needs Wide Receivers to Step Up

Even if the two are able to play at No. 1 Georgia, Stoops made it abundantly clear that others to step up in the passing game. He has a couple guys in mind.

“We’re gonna have to bring Anthony Brown along and Dekel (Crowdus),” said Stoops. “I mentioned Dekel earlier because he’s shown flashes and he’s really worked hard. Opportunities are tough when we’re in these these big games, but he’s a guy that I have trust in and he’s worked hard and hopefully he’s going to continue to step up as well.”

Anthony Brown-Stephens has caught two passes for 12 yards through his first five games as a Wildcat. Crowdus has yet to record a reception this fall.

Kentucky’s passing game has been inconsistent in 2023. The Wildcats have created explosive plays, but the easy plays have not always looked easy as drops and off-target throws have plagued Coen’s aerial attack. Even though the numbers didn’t reflect it against Florida, Stoops believes they’ve shown improvement.

“I think you saw some improvement in that area. For instance, Barion, when he caught that seven or eight yard hitch, turn, press up-field, finish that play, get the first down instead of coming up the half yard short. That’s an improvement. Some guys finishing some catches, I don’t think we need to over coach that or over analyze that,” said the Kentucky head coach.

“These are good players that work hard, that care. I think it’s quite obvious we need to continue to work as a group. Not just any individual player, but with the with the quarterbacks, tight ends, backs, receivers, all getting on the same page and executing at a higher level. We’re going to need to execute at a higher level in the pass game as we move forward.”

Chance for a Kenneth Horsey Return?

The Big Blue Nation was waiting impatiently on news about Kenneth Horsey Saturday morning. Unfortunately, it was bad news. The Kentucky team captain has not returned to his post at left guard since week one.

“It would sure be nice to have Kenneth back, just with all the experience that he has and the size and everything,” said Stoops. “But Dylan (Ray)‘s done a good job and he’s stepped up and you know, he’s battling. He’s working really hard and we have really great appreciation for him because as I mentioned, his natural position maybe at tackle but he’s playing guard and he’s playing very well. To go in there against Florida and we’re able to rush the ball for over 300 yards. He obviously is has done a good job.”

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