Rich Scangarello shoulders blame for Kentucky’s offensive woes

[ad_1]

(Photo: Brian Simms, Getty)

After losing Liam Coen to the Los Angeles Rams after one prolific offensive season in Lexington, Rich Scangarello was thought to be a seamless transition to lead quarterback Will Levis and the Kentucky offense in 2022.

Things have not exactly turned out that way.

The Wildcats, hamstrung by injuries to Levis, a poor offensive line, questionable play-calling, and poor execution, especially in the red zone and on special teams, have lost five of its last seven games following a 4-0 start to fall to 6-5 on the year.

Scangarello has bore the brunt of the criticism from fans as UK ranks 107th nationally in both scoring offense and total offense, averaging just 21.7 points on 335.5 yards per game, and 116th in red zone offense.

Redshirt freshman wideout Dekel Crowdus even called out Scangarello following last week’s 24-21 loss to Vanderbilt.

“Probably, I would have to say the play-caller, because we were down in the red zone and just couldn’t get it,” Crowdus said. “That’s pretty much all I can say.”

After Saturday’s 16-6 loss to No. 1 Georgia, Scangarello was extremely candid for his role in this season’s struggles.

“No one is more disappointed in the expectations we had and how this season has gone than me,” Scangarello said. “I feel terrible. I want to score points. I came here to help coach do something special.”

Per usual, it was a mixed bag from the Wildcats offensively on Saturday. Against college football’s top-ranked scoring defense, Kentucky scored on a 99-yard drive, it’s longest touchdown drive since 2015, but failed to convert a pair of fourth downs and missed a field goal on a bad snap that could have made things interesting.

Scangarello says he still believes in this offence.

“[Shows] what it can be,” Scangarello said.

“That’s the best defense in football. We started the game on our own 4-yard line and that drive could have gone all the way and scored too. It’s little things that we have to clean up. You can blame it on this or that But we can do it. I know we can. If we do that, we can move the ball on anybody. But again, we only scored six points and we left some plays on the field that were there that could have really turned the tables. and put some pressure on them. The line will get better. They’re young. The protection will get better and we’re going to get better and better with our playmakers getting them the football.”

Of Kentucky’s 20 receptions, 15 went to freshmen for over 200 yards, including true freshman Barion Brown, who caught 10 balls for 145 yards and a touchdown and receptions of 31 and 47 yards.

After last week’s loss to Vanderbilt, head coach Mark Stoops said he would not consider any offensive staff changes during the season. Saturday, Scangarello didn’t sound like a coach with designs on going anywhere.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the future,” Scangarello said. “That’s 18- and 19-year-olds who are getting a ton of experience. Their best days are ahead of them — and that excites me.”

Kentucky concludes the regular season Saturday at home vs. archrival Louisville in the annual Governor’s Cup.

“I can’t wait. I’m excited,” Scangarello said. “This state has so much pride in these universities — especially UK. It’s the pro team [here]. I want it to be great. I’ll do my part. To do that, means we’ve got to go through the team down the road this week.”

[ad_2]