Three straight wins has UK coach Mark Stoops smiling but he wants a lot more from his team. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops says “there’s no question” that winning three straight games had definitely helped everything for the Wildcats going into Saturday afternoon’s game at Vanderbilt.
“It definitely helps. I said that after the first one (win) because you want that for the team. They’ve been investing, they’re working hard, their bodies are beat up and they’re just hurt and they’re tired,” Stoops said.
“They’ve worked really hard for a long period of time. So hopefully the wins will help them, give them a little extra juice and a little extra motivation to get their butt in bed an hour or two early, get treatment and just get prepared for the last two weeks that are big games for us.”
Kentucky is now 5-5 after it looked like a lost season that likely would cost Stoops his job when UK started the year 2-5. Now a win over Vanderbilt or Louisville would make Kentucky bowl eligible. However, Stoops said Monday he would not be discussing bowl eligibility with his team.
“One game at a time. We’re worried about trying to go 1-0 here this week, so there’s no point in talking about that,” Stoops said. “We acknowledge the importance of it, but what does it matter if we don’t take care of business this week? It’s about us just handling our business here this week.”
He’s right. Let the winning do the talking and beating No. 12 Vanderbilt is no easy task as SEC teams have learned the last two seasons.
Kentucky had 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021. Vanderbilt is 8-2 with games remaining against UK and Tennessee. If the Commodores win both, they not only would have 10 wins but likely would be in the college football playoffs.
Stoops admitted this week there were parallels between Vandy’s season and what UK did in 2018 and 2021.
“Last year, first bowl game in a while, a win, of course, and certainly built on that. I think, 7-6 last year, and certainly better already this year. Give them credit, four SEC wins already this year is impressive and they look good even in the losses they’ve had,” Stoops said.
‘I thought it was a really impressive game with Alabama in particular, but certainly building on that. I know how hard it is. Hopefully, for (coach) Clark (Lea) and his team, they’re looking at it one at a time and I know he is and I’m sure they’re wanting more.
“I know how hard it is to get 10 (wins) at a place like that. When you come into the league, whatever rung you’re in, whatever spot you’re in, gaining on teams is quite challenging because nobody is interested in this league in going backwards. It’s very hard and everybody does an excellent job with recruiting. You’re playing good people every week.”
3 Responses
I likes Stoops approach one game at a time. Got to take care of business first.
This next game may be the most important game of the Stoops era at UK.
Get a win will make the team bowl eligible, and UK will move into the final game on the rise against a UL team that has been on a slide. However, lose this game, and UK will need a win at Papa Johns in game 12 to avoid another losing season. I know that most see this game as Vandy -10, but I like the way UK has played the last 3 weeks, and I believe that level of play will beat Vanderbilt. I also believe the UK-UL matchup will be close. Therefore, maintaining their momentum will be decisive against UL.
Someone posted on here a few days ago that Boley may have saved Stoops' job. Whoever said that is dead on.
Professor, I suggested that Stoops should give 1/2 of his salary go Boley for saving his job! Of course another win is added security to get a Bowl bid.
I’m skeptical going up against a new Vandy team/program, but if you think UK will win instead of succomb to the tough Vandy team on the home turf, then I will join in that expectation! I agree the momentum (3 wins in a row is a big deal for any UK season).
Boley, Law, hopefully Kattus gets more passes, the RB’s are all providing winning efforts and the UK D-Line is strong. So a win is sure within reach.
The biggest concern this weekend is the HC, OC and the UK secondary. All the rest of the players and other coaches need to rise to the occasion to overcome any setbacks they cause.