Vicky Graff Photo
One thing I like about Mark Stoops is that he’s not afraid to show his emotions.
He quickly admitted he was “pissed off” after each of Kentucky’s first four wins because the Cats did not play as well as he expected.
The UK coach wasn’t mad after Saturday’s 33-14 win over Florida even though he still thinks there is “more” out there for his team to put together.
Last week some Kentucky fans were upset about a noon kickoff against Florida instead of a night game that would give fans more time to get into game mode. Stoops, though, admitted at his weekly press conference that he knew Big Blue Nation would be ready to “pound a few beers” before kickoff and doubled down on his weekly radio show by adding he knew some fans would use bourbon to get ready.
Kentucky got off to its fastest start of the season against Florida and was never really in danger of losing.
“I had to start fast because I asked them (fans) to start fast this morning. I think they did,” Stoops said at his postgame press conference.
Then came this zinger that was funny and showed just how energized Stoops was after the win.
“I hope they (fans) behaved well, or Mitch (Barnhart) will give me a scolding. So, I hope they behave,” Stoops said.
Kentucky now has alcohol sales at Kroger Field, a move it took time for UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart to embrace.
Stoops did wonder about the fans at the end of the game.
“We jump out at such a strong start and at the end they were kind of quiet. I’m like, they come to expect this kind of win. Do you know what I mean?” Stoops laughed and said. “I appreciate it. It was a fun environment and glad we got off to a good, fast start.”
