Stoops Knows UK Defense Has to be Better No Matter Who Mississippi State Has at QB

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Kentucky had no luck stopping Tennessee’s running game in last week’s loss and UK coach Mark Stoops said it was partially due to the Vols’ fast tempo but also because of a “more complex” running game than other teams have.

The Vols scored 33 points against UK in the win and could have had more if not having to settle for field goals four times. However, it continued a disturbing trend for UK’s defense which has allowed 51, 38, and 33 points the last three games, all UK losses.

Stoops said UK’s defensive issues have been partially because of who UK has played — Georgia, Missouri, and Tennessee — and partially because of defensive breakdowns by a unit that many thought would be one of the best in the SEC.

“You know the challenges you go up against each week and we could definitely play better, and I expect this group will. We have to analyze and look at all areas and (determine) why we are falling short – is it personnel, is it coaching, is it position?” Stoops said.

“Look at every aspect and try to improve on it. This group has always played with a lot of pride, and I expect them to want to bounce back.”

Kentucky plays at Mississippi State Saturday night in hopes of ending a three-game losing skid after starting the season 5-0.

Stoops thought the UK defense contained Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton well most of last week’s game but made a costly mistake going for a pass breakup that turned into a huge play for the Vols.

Stoops knows the front seven has to be better at Mississippi State and not make some costly mistakes no matter whether Will Rogers is starting at quarterback or the Bulldogs go with Vanderbilt transfer Mike Wright because of an injury to Rogers.

“With Will, he is a guy that has seen everything. He has seen pressure, he’s seen it all, he’s seen a million different coverages. With Mike, it’s very different challenge, because there is so much eye candy going on, so much in their run game, that you have to be very precise in your run fits and then you have to commit a lot with a quarterback that can run the ball and he can also hurt you down the field,” Stoops said. “Different obstacles there as far as quarterbacks.”

If Wright is the quarterback, Kentucky learned last year against him that he can hurt a defense running.

“Whether it is on schedule with design quarterback run or reads, and then just pulling it down and scrambling, can create plays as well. He is a guy you have to keep in the pocket. He is a guy that, much like last year and this year, you see signs of down-the-field passing and he can definitely throw the ball,” Stoops said.

“They are building on that. They always have some playmakers at wide receiver as well. He is growing. You are seeing their offense grow with him under center. I am not for sure 100 percent if it is going to be Mike or if it will be Will. They are very different players, obviously, we will have to be ready for all of it.