Arguably no part of Kentucky‘s football program is more responsible for the remarkable in-season turnaround, and the school’s first bowl appearance since 2010, than the rushing game. Following a rough, uninspiring 0-2 start, along with a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Drew Barker, the outlook was bleak in Lexington.
But head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran made philosophical changes, with a commitment to the running game rare in this era of spread offenses. From a myriad of looks, with three capable running backs, Boom Williams, Benny Snell and Jojo Kemp have carried the load.