If it’s not broke don’t fix it.
That’s the approach Kentucky’s offensive coaching staff has taken during the past two weeks with the emergence of freshman running back Benny Snell, who has teamed with veteran Stanley “Boom” Williams to give the Wildcats a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Kentucky freshman running back Benny Snell has scored five touchdowns in the past two games for the Wildcats (Bill Thiry Photo)
Although listed at No. 3 behind Williams and senior Jojo Kemp on the current depth chart, Snell has given the backfield a boost during the past two weeks, a shot of energy Kentucky needed after opening the season with two straight losses.
“The last two weeks have been huge, not just for myself but for the team and Benny as well,” Williams said Tuesday. “He’s come in and has done a great job.”
Snell’s steady climb up the depth chart began after he rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns in an easy victory over New Mexico State. He provided much-needed relief for Williams in the second half of a seven-point victory over South Carolina last week.
A newcomer to the backfield, Snell wasn’t intimidated by Kentucky’s experienced staple of experienced running backs, anchored by Williams. Now that Snell has established himself as a part of the rotation, veteran Mikel Horton decided not to stick around and announced his intentions to transfer Tuesday.
In search of a solid contributor behind Williams and Kemp, it took just two games for Kentucky coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran to call on Snell to help carry the load and he has been impressive since his first collegiate carry.
“I expected that from myself,” Snell said Tuesday. “I know my abilities and I try to give it all on the field. Whenever my number is called, I’m ready. “
Williams, who ranks No. 3 in the Southeastern Conference in rushing with an average of 116 yards per game, likes having Snell in the rotation and has enjoyed watching the freshman running back contribute on a regular basis.
“It’s been real fun to see him be able to go in (the game) and make some plays for us, sustain drives and make some tough runs for us,” Williams said.
Those tough runs have resulted in net of 209 yards and five touchdowns in the past two games for Snell. His breakthrough performance against the Aggies was the most rushing yards by a freshman since Derek Homer accomplished the feat 19 years ago in a loss to Tennessee.
Snell has benefited from the maturity of Williams one of the top leaders on offense. Gran said Williams “has matured like crazy” on and off the field, a big plus for Snell and the rest of the Wildcats.
“He has (helped me) a lot,” Snell said. “Having him in front of me, he’s a guy that’s always given me knowledge, and anytime I mess up, and (coach) Gran gets on me, but Boom is able to talk to me as a player how to correct myself and that helps a lot.”
Now that Kentucky has a potent running game, it’s taken pressure off the passing game and helped the Wildcats milk the clock late against South Carolina.The Wildcats had the ball for 10:41 and didn’t attempt a pass in the fourth quarter, relying on Williams and Snell to provide the necessary yardage, first downs and ultimately the game-winning touchdown – a 1-yard score by Snell – during the final quarter.
“Right now, it’s a good combination,” Gran said.
For the time being, the “Air Raid” attack has been shelved and replaced by a ground attack that has proven to be more effective for the Wildcats when they need it the most.
Gametracker: Kentucky at Alabama, 7 p.m., Saturday. TV/Radio: ESPN, 98.1 FM WBUL.
Keith Taylor is a senior sports writer for KyForward, where he primarily covers University of Kentucky sports. Reach him at keith.taylor@kyforward.com or @keithtaylor21 on Twitter
