Barion Brown had two big plays for UK at Florida but overall the Cats did not have the resiliency or motivation that Florida did. (Vicky Graff Photo)
If Florida had lost to Kentucky Saturday night, it likely could have left coach Billy Napier with little to no chance to retain his coaching job with the Gators.
He still has a ways to go to make sure he returns next season but beating UK for the first time in three tries and doing it in such a convincing fashion was a lifeline he needed.
Florida and Kentucky were both 3-3 going into the game but now Florida is trending upward while UK continues its downward trend with back to back losses to Vanderbilt and Florida.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops seemed confused and lacked answers to his team’s sometimes undisciplined play, sometimes unfocused play and sometimes lack of physical play.
By comparison, Napier said all the right things — and things I think UK fans would like to hear about the Cats — after the win.
“Okay, I think the thing I’m most proud of would be the resiliency of that team. This is a resilient group. Obviously been through quite a bit throughout the season,” Napier said.
“I would tell you that it really matters to them in terms of how they represent the University of Florida. Obviously a big deal to play in homecoming. Had a ton of people back this weekend. Incredible weekend recognizing the ’84 team.
Important to them to do that better. It really matters to them how they represent the university.
What refreshing words to hear about a college team but even more important was that Florida played that way.
“The last couple times we been able to play at home I think they’ve done better in that regard. How hard we play and the way we compete and being a great teammate has got to be in our DNA,” Napier said. “These guys have proven over time that they could be effective if we do those things, and every person matters. Not just what you see out there tonight. We have so many people contribute. About 250 people that contribute to what we do.”
Kentucky maybe needs some of that same DNA in more players.
Stoops cited his team’s execution issues. Linebacker Alex Afari said the Cats did not follow assignments against Florida.
Napier was not as focused on “technical” aspects.
“I think we got good kids, man. I mean, that’s at the root of all that. I could talk about the technical part, but it comes down to a selfless group that was solution-oriented, didn’t point a finger,” Napier said. “Obviously disappointed how we played early in the year. The staff took ownership. We had really good leadership at the player level. There was collaboration there.”
The key here for me was staff ownership and really good player leadership. I am not convinced UK has that same collaboration going on.
“They were embarrassed. We were embarrassed (over earlier play). So we had a decision to make, and I think obviously just really proud of the players. At the core, they want to do it the right way,” Napier said.
Napier said his team’s resiliency was about “being mentally tough and having the ability to overcome setbacks, to work through difficult times, to have an identity.”
Again, not sure this Kentucky football team has been able to consistently do that this year and maybe that goes back to a lack of leadership.
“They were solution-oriented. Nobody pointed a finger. We went through a challenge last Saturday night. We had a locker room of guys that were hurt (after losing in overtime at Tennessee). We could have easily splintered at that point, but we didn’t,” Napier said.
“We probably got stronger and worked Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday as good as we have all year. We cannot forget what got the result that we experienced tonight. That’s the most important part.”
6 Responses
I can’t imagine our programs being "stuck" with both Calipari AND Stoops for years to come.
I have advise for Stoops. Let the OC be the OC and let the chips fall where they may. If the OC knows what he is doing, it will be entertaining football. If not, fire him. But Stoops shouldn’t get the OC fired because Stoops keeps overriding his play calling.
Stoops should never be calling plays. His philosophy is dead outdated. Only getting 8-10 possessions a game is also scary. You have to score on about every possession. His clock management sucks. It bites him more times than not. He thinks he’s some clock management genius but he really sucks.
This article here says it all—-its refreshing to hear college football players say that they care, and that they are taking their competition personally and seriously–and being resilient and being mentally tough–these are exactly all the areas where we lack and fall short, as a team, and as a coaching staff. There is a serious mental problem with the group we have now. As much as I love BBrown and his talents, he is so immature, and whenever i see him, it’s like i just cringe. I didn’t realize like his first year here that he was like that—when he first came here, I looked at him as like an alpha dog, a soldier, a warrior, and on the field, he is all of that to an extent. But he doesn’t back it up well when play stops–i think emotionally he can’t handle or manage that aspect very well during the games–its as if he and Key just want to kick the sh** out of everybody every single game–im over all of those antics, sick of seeing it, it’s just immature and it’s juvenile–its like grow up dudes, be a MAN!!! OH, I guess I’m not allowed to say that, right??? LOL but the point is Brown and Key could be could be better than what they are–and they have it in them to do it, but they choose not to just keep their da** mouths shut and just play the game!!!! Thats the way most of the great ones in sports have always been: ALPHA DOGS—they just keep their mouth shut and go about their business–like get out of my way, I’m coming thru and u can’t stop me!!!! i don’t have an issue with players having egos, and being confident in their ability and being competitive–thats what u would want. But there is a fine line and a big difference between being confident/competitive and being cocky and arrogant. And their extracurricular activities the fans are sick of watching.
DITTO to ALL of your comments!!!
Conversely UK did not.. Why?