Kentucky coach Mark Stoops tried to explain Monday why he doesn't think his players will quit on him again this season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Many Kentucky fans have written off this season after Kentucky went 4-8 last season and dropped to 2-5 this season after Saturday’s 56-34 loss to rival Tennessee, UK’s fifth straight loss to the Vols and another home conference loss for a team that has not won a home SEC game in two years.
So what does Stoops worry about his players also giving up, especially after the way the Cats collapsed midway of last season?
“These guys have had a very strong mindset and their attitude has been right the entire time. It is difficult. Let’s be honest. The guys have worked very hard, and that’s why we’re all disappointed, one way or another,” said Stoops at his Monday press conference.
“A loss is a loss, and it doesn’t feel good, and your pride gets bruised and hurt, and you get battered up as the year goes on, but you have to pick yourself back up. You have to have a strong attitude and mindset, and you have to embrace the process, the week and how you go about it and engulf yourself in that and the preparations. As a coach, I know that makes you feel a heck of a lot better.”
Kentucky — at least against Tennessee — showed no signs of throwing in the towel. The defense was just overmatched while the offense had its best scoring game in over two years.
Stoops brought in over 50 new players — transfers and incoming freshmen — to rebuild this year’s team but it has not worked the way Stoops hoped, starting with transfer quarterback Zach Calzada not being the answer to UK’s offensive woes.
“We have some young guys that have played well for us that we want to continue to bring along and develop. It definitely is year-to-year with building a roster. Not every year, I’ve said that before, that you’re going to go out and try to get 50 plus (players), you want to have some continuity and some guys carry over but it certainly is definitely year-to-year,” Stoops said.
Kentucky plays at Auburn Saturday night and coach Huge Freeze is maybe on an even bigger hot seat than Stoops. It would not be a huge shock to see the losing coach looking for a new job next week.
Auburn’s only SEC came last week in a comeback effort against Arkansas. The Tigers have lost to Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia and Missouri — all ranked teams — but only by a combined 29 points and the Missouri loss came in double overtime. Auburn, like UK, has had trouble scoring and managed only 54 points in the four conference losses before scoring 33 against Arkansas.
So what does Stoops want to see from his team Saturday other than the obvious win?
“You want to see growth and continue to build on the good things we’re doing. Ultimately, it’s a bottom line business. We want to get the win at all costs. Whatever it takes to win the game is what we’re hunting,” Stoops said. “But you’re not going to do that unless you make progress and make growth in all these areas and put it all together.”
4 Responses
I would give all the nil money to the 2024 and 2025 classes to stay. Then patch it up in the transfer portal. I would get the best 2-3 playmakers money can buy. Get the best defensive guys money can buy then get at least 4-6 offensive lineman in the portal. We have young studs on the offensive line. We will need to add some experience to the overall roster. Next year will be a step up from this year no matter who is the coach we will finally have a QB with experience that wants to win coming back. QB is always the biggest question mark.
This team has NOT quit, but they can only overcome so much. The terrible clock management, poor preparation, pour play calling, etc. etc. cannot be overcome week after week.
Remember, this is the same coach that went out and got a Transfer QB with Boley sitting on the bench. If it wasn't for an injury, Boley would still be on the bench and UK would still be the same on W/L. Stoops had no idea what he had in Boley!!!
Exactly OldFan. Stoops elevated our program, but is now clearly in over his head. It is time for him to move on.
Desperation usually yields unwanted results. Plan with what you have, motivate your players and go into the game knowing that you will have to adjust. Then have a plan B & C and don't give the game away. Come away with a win. A win may be just that you defense was 100% better than last week or your offense scores 50 points. Win something. The game will take care of itself.