how kentucky got its groove back

'Quiet' is a good description of how I felt for the first two quarters of the game against Central Michigan today. It also pretty well describes my reaction to the brutal win over Western Kentucky last week.  Although trying to withhold judgement, I was apprehensive over the robotic, frustrated play of our almost-brand-new offensive line.  

As a Pollyanna of sports optimism, it was an unfamiliar and uncomfortable feeling.   

I understand fully the consequences of losing approximately 4500 yards of offensive production to graduation and the NFL draft.  Things will be a little bit bumpy offensively for awhile as each new player steps up, learns their position and responsibilities.  We have new coaches, new players, new defensive schemes...

But where was the chemistry?  If a pass was thrown well, it was dropped. If a receiver was wide open in the end zone, he was overthrown.  Play execution aside, where was the heart? The passion, the excitement, the AGGRESSION for heavens' sake. 

Let me begin by saying I am not a fan of this co-defensive-coordinator thing.  To me, it says 'I'm saving my ass.' Hedging your bets, if you will.  It's the same reason I'm not a fan of our offensive structure - two possible plays going in, coaches read the defensive, players check to the sideline for the play to run.  In my lowly opinion, it shows a lack of confidence in a person's ability to do their job, whether it be defensive coordinator or quarterback, and with all the hype around the loss of Hartline, Cobb, Locke and Matthews the last thing these kids need is another reminder of who they're not.  It's non-commital, a non-choice.  Football is no place for tentative wavering cowardice, and the emotion from the bench struck me as hesitant. 

It seemed as though confidence was not only lacking in our players, it was lacking in our coaching staff. 

And then, hallelujah!! After a sure-to-be highly questioned call to go for it on 4th down, our offense was awarded the ball on the Chippawas' 35 yard line.  Morgan Newton stood tough, cocked his arm and released a high, lofty pass to receiver La'Rod King. The kind of pass where time ticks in slow motion.  The kind of pass where the whole universe goes still for a single second, and 80,000 people hold their breath.  A pass ripe with expections.  With the touchdown reception of a single pass, new life was infused into an offense that needed confirmation in the worst way. 

As unnerving as the offense was in the first half, there were a lot of positives to be found in our game against Central Michigan.  Our offense found the rhythm that they were so desperately searching for, and they did it by sheer grit.  They ground through the frustration, the discouragement, the cynicism.  The team earned that win as surely as I sit here this evening, and they'll take that with them as the season moves forward.  Will there still be bumps?  Absolutely.  But I will strive to remember this season: friction is a necessary precursor to polish.