Brock Vandagriff’s transition to being Kentucky’s starting quarterback has been a difficult test, largely due to the intense pressure he’s faced from opposing defenses.
In Kentucky’s 41-6 win over Ohio, Vandagriff had his best statistical performance of the season, completing 17 of 24 passes for 237 yards. Despite this, the Georgia transfer was sacked once and hurried five times, showcasing the Wildcats’ ongoing struggle to protect their quarterback.
This season, Kentucky’s offensive line has allowed repeated pressure, making it harder for Vandagriff to establish consistency in the passing game.
Vandagriff, known for his ability to throw on the move, has frequently been forced to do so under duress. Kentucky’s offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan acknowledged the difficulties, explaining that the team has shifted to more roll-out passes to adapt. Despite the challenges, Vandagriff has remained positive, even deflecting criticism away from his offensive line and onto himself.
Kentucky also added complexity to the situation by using former Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt in a wildcat formation, further increasing the pressure on Vandagriff. Still, the young quarterback remains focused on improving and leading his team.
