Kentucky Football: Mark Stoops To Take On Bigger Defensive Role

Following dreadful performances against Southern Miss and Florida, Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops is taking on a bigger role with the defense.

The Kentucky football program has more potential under Mark Stoops than it has in quite some time. Stoops has vastly improved the facilities and made a splash on the recruiting trails.

Long regarded as a brilliant defensive strategist, Stoops is taking on a bigger role in an attempt to bring those improving results to the field.

Kentucky’s defense is undeniably promising, but it’s struggled mightily during the first two weeks of the 2016 season. The offense has done it few favors, but Stoops has the acumen to turn things around defensively.

According to Jen Smith of Kentucky.com, coach Stoops is going to take on a bigger role with the defense.

“Yeah. The question was asked and I think you’re asking the same thing, will you take a more active role, and the answer to that is yes, I will take a more active role. As far as the structure of our staff, that has not changed. Coach Eliot is the defensive coordinator. I’m assisting him but I’m much more involved this week and I will be until we get things turned.”

After allowing 89 points through two weeks, something needs to change.

Kentucky let up an unforgivable 44 points to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in Week 1. It also allowed a similarly disappointing 45 points on the road against the Florida Gators.

The offense’s inability to move the chains has played a powerful factor in the defense’s struggles, but Kentucky should be better than it has been.

The Wildcats allowed 262 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against Southern Miss. The Wildcats proceeded to allow 244 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against Florida.

It’s also allowed six passing touchdowns through two games, although the secondary has been solid on the rare occasion that the front seven has been able to apply pressure.

Something needs to change defensively. Stoops is taking a hands-on approach to finding the fix.