By LARRY VAUGHT
Want to know what is wrong with the Kentucky defense?
Well, defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot has the answer -- but I am not sure UK fans will like it.
“The biggest issue that we’ve had is we haven’t been able to execute what we call. We haven’t been able to execute and run the defense effectively and make the right checks, make the right adjustments, get in the right spots. That’s been one of our problems, I think more than we anticipated," Eliot said Wednesday.
Not get in the right spots? Not make the right checks?
Those are problems. But do you blame players or coaches for that? Or both?
"We lost our core of our linebackers and our defensive line last year, so they could handle a lot. Those guys last year could handle a lot of calls, they could adjust, they could get lined up, they could communicate, they could be in the right spots," Eliot said.
Didn't UK finish 5-7 last year and blow a 21-point lead to Louisville in the final game? How many players did UK lose that went to the NFL?
So forgive me for not quite buying what Eliot is saying.
"What we’re finding with this group is they can’t (adjust), so we’re trying to limit some of those communications, some of those checks, maybe some of those calls to get these guys where they can line up and play fast," Eliot said.
Head coach Mark Stoops emphasized again Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference that he was taking a "more active role" with the defense this week after UK gave up 44 points to Southern Mississippi and 45 to Florida.
"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," Stoops said.
Eliot said Stoops has "always been involved in the defense" and it certainly has appeared that way since his arrival at Kentucky.
"Now we’re together on a lot of things. He’s helping us and he’s doing everything he can as another coach on the defensive staff, which is really good," Eliot said.
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