On the surface, Kentucky’s defense looked vastly improved in its 2025 debut. Holding any opponent to 16 points and just 59 rushing yards is a recipe for success. But a closer look at the film reveals a potentially worrying truth: the dominant performance of the defensive front may have masked some serious holes in the secondary.
Pressure masked the problem
Let's be clear: the defensive line and pass rush were phenomenal. While the Cats only registered 3 sacks, they lived in the Toledo backfield all afternoon. Quarterback Tucker Gleason was constantly under duress, forced to move, throw the ball away, or take a hit.