By Annie Dunbar

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The biggest collapse of the 2014 season came from UK’s special teams, especially during the second half of the season. The special teams’ play was so disheartening that whenever it came time to kick off or punt the ball, The Big Blue Nation collectively held its breath until either the ball was out of bounds or the returner was safely on the ground.

The Cats’ special teams started off the season playing well, allowing just 19.9 yards per kick return during the first six games and  three punt returns for a total of three return yards. However, the veil that covered the true identity of the special teams was yanked away during a sobering performance against LSU.

Against the Tigers, the special teams gave up a 49-yard opening kickoff which led to a touchdown, a 67-yard punt return for another touchdown and failed to cover a brilliantly-placed squib kick in what was the special teams’ worst game of the season.

In special teams coordinator Craig Naivar’s first season with the Cats, opponents amassed 878 yards against UK on kickoffs while UK had 845 yards, with standout running back Stanley Williams netting 511 of those yards. Opponents also notched 253 yards on punt returns compared to UK’s 185.

The four touchdowns that UK allowed on special teams were the most in the SEC. Two of those came against Georgia, with the Cats’ inability to make tackles and set up a wall dooming UK’s chances of winning that game. That collapse increased the heat on Naivar, whose job was already on thin ice.

However, all was not negative for the special teams. Junior punter Landon Foster and freshman placekicker Austin MacGinnis had phenomenal seasons. MacGinnis was named All-SEC Freshman by leagues coaches and Foster punted for 2810 yards, averaging 42.6 yards per punt with his longest at 60 yards. MacGinnis was also awarded National Placekicker of the Week after his performance against Louisville. He was 4-for-4 on field goals against the Cardinals, two of which were 40 yards or more that helped keep UK in the game. MacGinnis made 21 field goals during his first season with the Cats, which set a program record. He also drilled a 54-yard field goal, which broke the record for the longest field goal in program history.

When looking solely at the kickers, the Cats would receive an A for the season. However, the poor performance from the rest of the special teams was a major contributor to UK’s six-game skid to close the season. Therefore, the special teams overall receives a D.