The Wildcat Offense
The “Wildcat” has multiple meanings for Kentucky. More often than not, the Wildcats throw in some kind of wrinkle for their match-up with Tennessee. And this season, running back Buddy Snell has been featured as a mobile quarterback.
UK has a new Wildcat package every year when it plays Tennessee. This year is no exception. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/F9VUZJLbXV
— Will Boling (@will_boling) October 28, 2017
Kentucky will throw it deep out of the Wildcat formation. So the Vols have to stay disciplined.
On this play, quarterback Stephen Johnson comes in motion as a decoy. Mark Stoops has a lot of confidence in his skill players when it comes to throwing the football. In a game that’s likely to be low scoring, Kentucky’s ability to break off a few big plays out of this look could be the difference in the game.
In the redzone, Johnson’s ability to look off defenders will present a challenge for the Vols’ secondary.
Stephen Johnson does a good job moving the defense with his eyes. #Vols can’t bite on the pump fake in the redzone. pic.twitter.com/ElBqCvg39f
— Will Boling (@will_boling) October 28, 2017
Three defenders bite on this play, and the safety loses a step when he is fooled by the fake. Nigel Warrior and Micah Abernathy need to stay poised, especially in the redzone.
Teams have run a lot of man coverage against Kentucky this year to expose its weakness on the offensive line. The Vols need to bring extra pressure in order to take away the pump fake. If Johnson doesn’t have time to throw, he can’t move defenders with his eyes like he does here against Florida.
