The Numbers Behind Kentucky's Top 20 Offense

by:Nick Roush•12/24/21•

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the-numbers-behind-kentuckys-top-20-offense — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Thirteen months ago a Top 20 offense was on Mark Stoops’ Christmas wish list. The Big Guy delivered Liam Coen to the Big Blue Nation and made it happen right away.

Kentucky’s dramatic offseason offensive transformation was evident right away, thanks to explosive plays by Will Levis and Wan’Dale Robinson. Even though those slowed down throughout the year, Kentucky continued to produce at an elite level. It reached a crescendo in the month of November, averaging 46 points and 560.8 yards per game over the final four contests. The Wildcats will likely finish the year ranked in the top 20 in offensive efficiency. These numbers illustrate why.

Top 20 Statistics (FBS Ranking)

Yards per Play: 6.56 (16)
Yards per Rush: 5.51 (4)
Passing Completion Percentage: 66.6 (18)
Offensive Success Rate: 47.3% (6)
Points per Drive: 2.88 (18)
Third Down Conversion rate: 51.47% (5)
Red Zone TD Rate: 74% (5)
Sacks Allowed: 18 (19)
Tackles for Loss Allowed: 51 (10)
Penalties: 60 (19)

One Thing Holding UK Back

The 2021 Wildcats have the best offense of the Mark Stoops era. It did not always feel that way for one big reason: turnovers.

“Outside of turnovers, they really don’t have a weakness,” Adam Luckett said on 11 Personnel, and he’s not wrong.

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Only one team has a worse turnover margin (-13) in FBS football, 1-11 Arizona. The Wildcats have given the opponent the ball 22 times. Kentucky’s red zone touchdown percentage might be first in the country if not for a handful of give-aways near the goal line.

If there’s one team that will take advantage of Kentucky’s turnover problem, it’s Iowa. The Hawkeyes have forced 30 turnovers, the most in power five football, including 24 interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Iowa plays sound football and capitalizes on its opponent’s mistakes.

Kentucky’s Top 20 offense has a leg up over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, if the Cats can play a clean game in Orlando.