Mark Stoops wants fan to show out and be loud Saturday night when UK hosts Missouri. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has a simple message for UK football fans — we need you. Kentucky opened the season with a 45-10 win over Louisiana Monroe and will host Missouri Saturday night in its first Southeastern Conference game. The Cats are a slight favorite and for months many have pointed to this as being the crucial game on UK’s schedule. Win and possibly have a great season. Lose and maybe struggle to get seven wins.
Stoops didn’t put it quite that way Monday but he made it clear it is a big, big game.
“It’s going to be a big game at home. We’re looking forward to it, looking forward to a packed house, we’re going to need it. It’s going to be a big challenge,” the UK coach said. “We’re going to have to play a lot better here this week to beat them.”
Stoops didn’t like that Missouri was much more physical than his team in a 20-10 victory over the Wildcats last year. It was obvious Monday that still gnaws at him with the pride he takes in defense and physical play.
“We have to play physical and we’re going to have to win some one-on-one battles but very aggressive (Missouri) defense, very much crowding the line of scrimmage. We got to beat some man coverage,” Stoops said.
Saturday night’s game could be a sellout or close and night games always seem to have a more festive, energetic vibe. Knowing what is at stake for UK, Stoops hopes fans can make a difference for his team.
“It was great to get home last week. Whatever time we play, I appreciate the fans being there,” he said. “It was warm, but at least it was decent and I appreciate the people being there.
“It’s going to be a night game (Saturday), so no excuses, we need this place packed. And I’m looking forward to it.”
6 Responses
It was somewhat of a surprise to see the significant passing game even though the pre-season rhetoric pointed to a big change. Thank you Coach Stoops for recognition and flexibility.
Was very nice to see Mike
I have to say Larry that Stoops is wrong on this one. It is called COVID-19 Delta. I just heard yesterday that Ky. has 3 times as many deaths so far this year as all of last year. The hospitals are overflowing with covid. Ky. might as well have no policy as the one they do have. To ask 60 thousand people to risk their life for a ball game is not right. Respectfully I will watch it from home. Go Cats!
I get it Jim and know many who feel exactly like you do
Disappointed in Stoops demand to fill stadium – had hoped he wasn’t a pandemic denier.
I love the ‘Cats and what Coach has done for the program – but he needs a more nuanced message for fans about stadium attendance and the pandemic in a state with such poor vaccine uptake and a near maxed out hospital network.
Difficult time for sure. It’s scary not knowing what is right and wrong