The 2024 season was a bit of a disaster for the Kentucky Football program, which went just 4-8 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2015. The disappointing play of the “Big Blue Wall” was vital in the lack of success, as it didn’t live up to the standards that the Kentucky […]
The 2024 season was a bit of a disaster for the Kentucky Football program, which went just 4-8 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2015. The disappointing play of the “Big Blue Wall” was vital in the lack of success, as it didn’t live up to the standards that the Kentucky O-Line had established for itself in past season.
After being named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award (given to the best offensive-line in college football) just three seasons ago, the Kentucky offensive-line was one of the worst in the SEC last season. It allowed 35 sacks (T-22nd most in NCAA and sixth most in SEC) and 291 sack yards (fifth most in NCAA and second most in SEC), resulting in one of the worst offenses at the power-four level.
Kentucky Offensive Coordinator Bush Hamdan however applauded the play of the revamped “Big Blue Wall” during a media opportunity on Tuesday.
“They did a nice job (in Saturday’s scrimmage),” Hamdan said. “They’ve done a good job all camp. Again, I just think it’s a very professional outfit and there are guys that have played whether it’s at Kentucky or other places but have started games. Again, I think the conditioning piece would probably be the biggest thing. Just really feeling what it feels like going on eight, nine, ten or 11 play drives with the mixture of tempos and always straining when you’re tired. Overall, I think they’re in a good spot to make a big jump here in this second week.”
Three transfers will help improve revamped Kentucky O-line
Kentucky‘s offense last season averaged just 330.4 yards of offense per game (15th in SEC), boiling down to the inconsistency and lack of protection by the O-line. Mark Stoops and his staff however brought in talented transfers LT Shiyazh Pete (New Mexico State), center Alex Wollschaleger (Bowling Green) and 2023 Second Team All-SEC RT Joshua Braun (Arkansas) this offseason, attempting to plug these holes and give their offensive playmakers more time to let plays develop.
Pete, Wollschlaeger and Braun are projected to make up the starting O-line along with program cornerstones LG Jager Burton (39 career games at Kentucky) and RG Jalen Farmer (12 games at Kentucky).
“I think we all understand that we needed to improve in that area. Needed to get some depth. I really feel comfortable with that area,” Stoops said at SEC Media Days in July. “The one thing about the transfers in general, and certainly pertains to the offensive line group, very mature players. A lot of playing experience, a lot of snaps under their belt, but very mature. And they’re here, you know, it’s all business. They’ve been a great fit. I love the leadership that they brought in.”
Kentucky opens its 2025 season at home against Toledo on Aug. 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:45 PM on SEC Network.
Category: General Sports
