Kentucky Football: Defense To Blame for Wildcats' Continued Woes

Over the past couple of years, quarterback Mike Hartline has established himself as one of the most polarizing figures in the Bluegrass.

Yet Hartline and the offense are no longer the scapegoats. The Wildcats' early season woes this year can be primarily attributed to the defense.

This may come as a bit of a surprise, at least statistically speaking. After all, Kentucky is currently ranked 29th in the FBS in total defense.

However, this statistic is a bit skewed because of the Wildcats' inability to defend the running game.

Kentucky is ranked eighth in the nation in total passing defense, but this too is misleading. The reason that opponents have not been passing on the Wildcats is because they simply haven't needed to.

Kentucky is currently ranked 83rd in the FBS in total running defense while giving up an average of 4.5 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns per game.

Yet the biggest problem for the Wildcats defense has come in the red zone. The team is currently tied for dead last in the nation in red zone defense, having allowed their opponents to score 100 percent of the time once inside the 20-yard line.

Even more alarming is the fact that of the 16 scores Kentucky has given up in the red zone; all but three have been touchdowns. This ratio is simply unacceptable, especially given the quality of the opponents faced thus far.

Compounding the disappointment caused by the defense has been the surprising efficiency of the offense. Kentucky is currently ranked 21st in the nation in total offense. The Wildcats' stable of tailbacks has averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry on the ground. Meanwhile, quarterback Mike Hartline has accounted for nine total touchdowns versus only three interceptions.

Thirty-five points should be more than enough to beat a team like Ole Miss, who lost to Jacksonville State earlier in the season. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Kentucky this past Saturday, when the Rebels managed to put up 42 points against the Wildcats defense.

This week, the Wildcats are faced with an exponentially tougher task as they take on the eighth-ranked Auburn Tigers. The Tigers average almost 37 points per game and are currently ranked eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game.

Kentucky has made one adjustment since Saturday in an attempt to bolster its defense by moving defensive tackle Mark Crawford into the starting lineup in place of walk-on Luke McDermott. Head coach Joker Phillips hopes that the junior will bring a high motor and a burst of energy to the defense.

Unfortunately, it will take much more than one change on defense to right the ship in Lexington.

Expect the Wildcats to struggle on defense Saturday while trying to shut down the Tigers' potent rushing attack. If Kentucky can manage to force a few early turnovers, they may be able to keep the score close, but it is unlikely that they will be able to stop the Auburn offense outright.

Week 6 Prediction: 42-27 Auburn