I've seen enough of the Stoops era

[catfaninjackson]

I'm confused about the terrible teams in the SEC we've beaten. Seems to me that assumption is that if UK wins, the team they beat sucks.
This is usually true. However, UK seems to be on the rise to a middle of the pack type situation for now.
so maybe the teams that UK wins against don't suck... it's just that UK has elevated its game.
For instance, MSSt beats the 4th ranked team in the country... they don't suck... they seem to be just a bit down and UK closed the talent gap.
Vandy has no offense... and almost beat Auburn at home to ruin their season... Vandy doesn't suck they're one dimensional.... and they beat Georgia.
Georgia doesn't suck... they're young and in transition and loaded with talent... and the talent gap just wasn't that noticeable to me.
SC doesn't suck either... they're young and trying to figure it out... point being... the teams UK beat... they don't suck... they seem to beat other teams... just not UK... so,
call it what it is. UK is a solid middle of the pack team, that is somewhat one dimensional and young that can beat any other SEC east team (except Florida) on any given day. That is an accomplishment. The next step where UK expects to be greater than .500 in SEC play every year and play Florida hard will be even tougher.

 

[Eddie Gran can coach]

Had a legit shot at the East until literally the last play of the game, with a QB who can't throw, and you don't see progress? We haven't been to a bowl in ten freaking years. Enough already.

You mean that guy that had 4 passes dropped that would have resulted in over 100 more yards

 

[allabouttheUK]

So, we reset (again), and get who? Saban? Meyer? Chip Kelly? Who's your guy?

Come on, you know the answer to that question...it's Petrino or Briles FTW!!!

The Briles and Petrino crowd are the most predictable and miserable group of UK "fans" that their are.

I have to immediately question a persons integrity, character, and moral compass that pines for either of them and lives by the philosophy of "win at all costs".

 

[reflaine]

Come on, you know the answer to that question...it's Petrino or Briles FTW!!!

The Briles and Petrino crowd are the most predictable and miserable group of UK "fans" that their are.

I have to immediately question a persons integrity, character, and moral compass that pines for either of them and lives by the philosophy of "win at all costs".

Don't forget leach. He wanted to come here. Told a guy at a book signing while unemployed he would love Lexington. (We didn't move joker as we shouldn't of have until the year after he was hired at Washington state. And my thought is if he would leave a school after one year, why wouldn't he do the same to you)

 

[brianpoe]

Take a little ball breaking for Christ's sake.

You know I'm slow, I can't help it. I'll try to do better.

 

[brianpoe]

I could be wrong, but I think what he is saying is that 6 wins next year would be the minimum, and I would agree with that. There are so many question marks about teams on our schedule next year, and the schedule isn't as favorable. Also keep in mind what our roster for the year looked like at this time the prior year...things happen.

GIVEN wins - SMU, EKU, EMU, Missouri (Missouri is hurting and will continue to hurt)
Should win - Vandy, Ole Miss (Vandy looses some defense and still has no offense, Bye Chad Kelly)
Could win - Miss St, UF, UT, USC, UGA (Fitzgerald is worrisome, Bentley has changed USC, UT will look different, UF looses some major pieces)
Pray UofL (freakin Lamar Jackson)

I see 6 to probably 9 wins. Just because we beat someone or lost to someone this year doesn't mean the same is a given for next. Each season is different and a LOT of things can happen between now and then.

Good points.

My thought process is that we are at a disadvantage from everyone other than Vandy - possibly Missouri, as to home state recruiting.

Other teams that are down will bounce back quickly.

We have the edge as of today and next year should be better. It will be very difficult to gage next year as improvement if we only have 6 wins unless those 6 losses were last minute hail mary's and 60 yard field goals.

We need to stake our claim next year with a minimum 7 win season, take advantage of the roster and solidify a firm foundation.

My expectation for the program once it is stable would be 7-8 wins on average with some 6 loss seasons on occasion and a 9 win season once in a blue moon.

 

[allabouttheUK]

Good points.

My thought process is that we are at a disadvantage from everyone other than Vandy - possibly Missouri, as to home state recruiting.

Other teams that are down will bounce back quickly.

We have the edge as of today and next year should be better. It will be very difficult to gage next year as improvement if we only have 6 wins unless those 6 losses were last minute hail mary's and 60 yard field goals.

We need to stake our claim next year with a minimum 7 win season, take advantage of the roster and solidify a firm foundation.

My expectation for the program once it is stable would be 7-8 wins on average with some 6 loss seasons on occasion and a 9 win season once in a blue moon.

Man, I would love to sit down and talk UK football with you. I think you and I agree on a lot or at least are of the same approach, but at the same time I get confused. I figured you for a "more" type than myself.

It's just really hard to gauge what next year will bring until the day before the season starts. So much happens around the country (injuries, attrition, arrests, etc..), you just never now. Based on what we all know right now, I would give UK 7 wins, two heartbreak losses and 1 loss that makes the Petrino crowd scream from the roof tops that they are right.

I look at UK football probably a bit different than most when it comes to building for success. There are 3 tiers in my mind, and within each tier there are steps for each. I'll have to write them down before I type them for it to make sense, but I think we are in the beginning stages of Tier 2.

Tier 1 - Build the foundation
Tier 2 - Battle and develop new attitude
Tier 3 - Maintain success

Those tiers are done on a yearly basis either. They take multiple years for each. Within those tears you have things like recruiting better athletes (first four years), then you add the same type athletes for depth...etc...it's a slow process but it can work.
Bowl games are a MUST starting this year to keep the timeline on track and moving forward.

 

[ClockCalamity]

Had a legit shot at the East until literally the last play of the game, with a QB who can't throw, and you don't see progress? We haven't been to a bowl in ten freaking years. Enough already.

Agreed, but like others have stated, I don't believe anyone can be solid in their opinion one way or the other at this point - unless you just have an agenda. At face value, the record tells us we are getting better, and will probably get a bowl game, but how can we really know the "real" level of progress made this year, given the relative weakness of the SECE and OOC opponents? I think this team is short a couple of key position players from being the SECE champs this year, but that still wouldn't tell us a whole lot. But then that begs the question, what can/should we expect as success? Even if we win the East, we would be manhandled by Alabama in Atlanta. Would everyone be satisfied with that result? The eye test is telling me we're better, but by how much, I'm not sure... Does Stoops deserve more time? I think he does. I think we need to see one more year to see where this is all leading.

 

[Lionel_Hutz]

Don't forget leach.

If Stoops ultimately doesn't work out (a few years down the road), there's no reason not to have Leach as one of the top replacement candidates. I honestly don't give a damn about his personality, the dude can coach.

 

[TuckyFB]

Why do you people give idiots attention? Why?

 

[allabouttheUK]

Agreed, but like others have stated, I don't believe anyone can be solid in their opinion one way or the other at this point - unless you just have an agenda. At face value, the record tells us we are getting better, and will probably get a bowl game, but how can we really know the "real" level of progress made this year, given the relative weakness of the SECE and work weak OOC opponents? I think this team is short a couple of key position players from being the SECE champs this year, but that still wouldn't tell us a whole lot. But then that begs the question, what can/should we expect as success? Even if we win the East, we would be manhandled by Alabama in Atlanta. Would everyone be satisfied with that result? The eye test is telling me we're better, but by how much, I'm not sure... Does Stoops deserve more time? I think he does. I think we need to see one more year to see where this is all leading.

Man, I was with ya until that last sentence. This isn't in defense of Stoops, or degrading Johnson, but look at our QB situation next year. QB play in the SEC is very important, just look at MSU and USC. Stoops has had some really bad luck with QB's since he has been here. He had what many thought was the second coming of Tim Couch in Towles, and he left ON HIS OWN. Had the backup QB transfer the same season, leaving next to nothing for this year. Barker who is supposed to be...you guessed it, the second coming of...Tim Couch will probably never play another snap if his back is in the shape many say it is. Johnson isn't Jackson, but has played admirably for being thrown in like he was. There is a very real possibility that next year our options will be Johnson, and two other QB's who have never taken a snap in CFB. Hoak may turn out to be just what we need, but then again..he'll be another UK QB with no real experience.

 

[brianpoe]

Man, I would love to sit down and talk UK football with you. I think you and I agree on a lot or at least are of the same approach, but at the same time I get confused. I figured you for a "more" type than myself.

It's just really hard to gauge what next year will bring until the day before the season starts. So much happens around the country (injuries, attrition, arrests, etc..), you just never now. Based on what we all know right now, I would give UK 7 wins, two heartbreak losses and 1 loss that makes the Petrino crowd scream from the roof tops that they are right.

I look at UK football probably a bit different than most when it comes to building for success. There are 3 tiers in my mind, and within each tier there are steps for each. I'll have to write them down before I type them for it to make sense, but I think we are in the beginning stages of Tier 2.

Tier 1 - Build the foundation
Tier 2 - Battle and develop new attitude
Tier 3 - Maintain success

Those tiers are done on a yearly basis either. They take multiple years for each. Within those tears you have things like recruiting better athletes (first four years), then you add the same type athletes for depth...etc...it's a slow process but it can work.
Bowl games are a MUST starting this year to keep the timeline on track and moving forward.

I totally agree.

I think we have a unique opportunity with the roster coming back and SEC teams still on the mend to take advantage of this time and at minimum establish that 7 win season.

8 is a real possibility.

My concern for a repeat of 6-6 is solely based upon recruiting.

We should get a bounce from a bowl this year.

A better bowl and a couple mid level profile wins or one high profile win would really assist recruiting the next year.

We have done well in certain areas but the big uglies on the Dline are a much sought after commodity, we need these and we must earn the right to get these.

We must maintain the momentum, USCjr, MSU, UGA won't stay down long - we need to develop our current players and recruit better ones prepared to battle for the East even in non-down seasons.

 

[ClockCalamity]

Man, I was with ya until that last sentence. This isn't in defense of Stoops, or degrading Johnson, but look at our QB situation next year. QB play in the SEC is very important, just look at MSU and USC. Stoops has had some really bad luck with QB's since he has been here. He had what many thought was the second coming of Tim Couch in Towles, and he left ON HIS OWN. Had the backup QB transfer the same season, leaving next to nothing for this year. Barker who is supposed to be...you guessed it, the second coming of...Tim Couch will probably never play another snap if his back is in the shape many say it is. Johnson isn't Jackson, but has played admirably for being thrown in like he was. There is a very real possibility that next year our options will be Johnson, and two other QB's who have never taken a snap in CFB. Hoak may turn out to be just what we need, but then again..he'll be another UK QB with no real experience.

Which is why I believe we have to hold out one more year to see where this may go... If the QB situation doesn't work out, it could go the wrong direction very quickly.

 

[allabouttheUK]

I totally agree.

I think we have a unique opportunity with the roster coming back and SEC teams still on the mend to take advantage of this time and at minimum establish that 7 win season.

8 is a real possibility.

My concern for a repeat of 6-6 is solely based upon recruiting.

We should get a bounce from a bowl this year.

A better bowl and a couple mid level profile wins or one high profile win would really assist recruiting the next year.

We have done well in certain areas but the big uglies on the Dline are a much sought after commodity, we need these and we must earn the right to get these.

We must maintain the momentum, USCjr, MSU, UGA won't stay down long - we need to develop our current players and recruit better ones prepared to battle for the East even in non-down seasons.

EXACTLY!

This is how I see the SEC in about 5 years.

UF - Rebuilding (Coaching changes)
UT- Rebuilding (Coaching changes)
USC - Fighting at the top (Muschamp has found his home)
Vandy - Gutter (Probably two coaching changes since the present)
Missouri - Fighting with Vandy (Will probably never see what Pinkel did for them again...not for a long while anyway.
UK - Battling with USC and...
UGA - Battling with USC and UK

Bama - Regressed after King Saban leaves
A&M - Falls back when Sumlin gets fired
MSU - Battles for the top
Auburn - see MSU
Arkansas - see MSU and Auburn
Ole Miss - Freeze will leave them in shambles
LSU - Bama, is that you?

 

[Kats23]

I think there are better head coaches out there that could legitimately be persuaded to come to UK with our roster as it is now. However, I think Stoops deserves another year to see if he can keep the momentum going especially considering the turnaround after the start of the season and our QB is a 180lb JUCO Transfer that can only throw the ball deep if it's on a slant pattern and can't hit a TE 5 yards out.

End of next year, make a decision. If we're still scrapping for a bowl in November, you let Stoops go, thank him for steadying a sinking ship and find yourself a better head coach.

 

[allabouttheUK]

Which is why I believe we have to hold out one more year to see where this may go... If the QB situation doesn't work out, it could go the wrong direction very quickly.

I think the could thing about this season is we have developed a line and have the RB's to take the pressure off the QB if things do happen to not work out with the QB situation...that could keep us treading water until we get some experience there or find that star in the making.

 

[cole854]

After the Vols and Cards play pinball w/ the scoreboard, Stoops will be a whopping 2-14 in the last 4 games of his 4 seasons (counting an AP win) If that isn't worthy of a contract extension, I don't know what is.

 

[IndyCat644_rivals309304]

Agreed, but like others have stated, I don't believe anyone can be solid in their opinion one way or the other at this point - unless you just have an agenda. At face value, the record tells us we are getting better, and will probably get a bowl game, but how can we really know the "real" level of progress made this year, given the relative weakness of the SECE and OOC opponents? I think this team is short a couple of key position players from being the SECE champs this year, but that still wouldn't tell us a whole lot. But then that begs the question, what can/should we expect as success? Even if we win the East, we would be manhandled by Alabama in Atlanta. Would everyone be satisfied with that result? The eye test is telling me we're better, but by how much, I'm not sure... Does Stoops deserve more time? I think he does. I think we need to see one more year to see where this is all leading.

If we made it to Atlanta and got killed and people weren't satisfied with playing in the SEC Championship I think I would block myself from getting on this site. Can't blame Stoops because the SEC East is down, like it or not outside of the Southern Miss game we are where a lot of folks expected us to be and being objective beating MSU for the first time in seven years should be a positive. When your starting QB goes down early and your backup QB comes in and puts you in a position to win week after week, I see progress. We should have beaten UGA and were in position to do so. The ball didn't bounce our way but I see improvement. I'd be thrilled if we would start playing press coverage instead of off the ball on that last drive but whatever. Bottom line in my opinion is we lost one game that I saw as a win when the schedule came out and won a couple that I thought were losses. The Defense is improving, they went against one of the best running back tandems in the nation and the #1 QB recruit in the nation and held their own with lopsided time of possession. I realize it is year 4 and I know all fans want more but anyone paying attention has said year five would be the big eye test. Just because I'm happy with the bowl game looking all but locked up doesn't mean I am satisfied. I'm just not willing to burn it all down when they are close to doing something that hasn't been done in 10 years. I like the fact that they haven't folded late in the year like years past and see more positives than negatives at this point.

 

[akaukswoosh]

This idea we will never beat UGA again is a reach. I think healthy and with strength at the QB, a UK win in Athens next year is very plausible.

 

[Gary4UK]

bowl or not, he has gotta go. Enough is enough.

syrus, you have to be kidding, right?

 

[BluZilla]

bowl or not, he has gotta go. Enough is enough.

:weary:

 

[K_TIME]

After the Vols and Cards play pinball w/ the scoreboard, Stoops will be a whopping 2-14 in the last 4 games of his 4 seasons (counting an AP win) If that isn't worthy of a contract extension, I don't know what is.

Why are we just comparing the last 4 games of a season? WTH do you cut up the stats like that?

 

[DACats86]

Why are we just comparing the last 4 games of a season? WTH do you cut up the stats like that?

'Cause that makes Stoops look worse. I suppose if UK's last three games were Duke, Citadel and NC State, his record in November would be better...

 

[Blueaz]

Some people keep acting like the Miss St win was the norm. Come on man. Miss St played great today. I give them credit but they were playing terrible when we beat them and it took a 50 yard field goal on a cold night to get that win. We've been better this year for sure but we've also played really bad teams that historically are much better. Unfortunately we can't ever say we're having a down year. History tells us 99.9 % of our years are bad years.

wow...when UK beats a team that team played terrible; but when that same (terrible)team beats someone else...great team
this is the epitome agendizing

 

[LeonThe Camel]

bowl or not, he has gotta go. Enough is enough.

I always thought it was Eight is Enough.

 

[TuckyFB]

Some of you are just blatantly stupid.

These are the same people who are going to hit the polls tomorrow too.

 

[Dakota25]

I am proud of the turnaround this team has had. Yeah they might only get six wins but a bowl game for the first time in over half a decade is exciting. If UK wins their bowl game I will call this a successful season.

 

[jauk11]

I don't try to fight or make enemies on this board. I just say my piece. If you feel good about this team and this season you have every right to feel that way. You seem pretty pumped up but I think we beat teams that are typically much better. If you're good with this team that's totally your right to feel that way. I don't see it the same as you but we can all have our own opinions.

The big reason for optimism is that many on here thought Stoops was totally clueless, and IMO whether he turns out to be a great coach or not that has been proven to be false. AND no one can deny he is a good recruiter (with his staff), but the biggest reason for optimism is that although other teams should be better next year IMO we will be MUCH better. I can't wait to see how this crew can recruit with a team that can compete with almost anyone, maybe Bama the exception-------although funny things happen in football.

 

[jauk11]

Not sure we want recruits that read this site.

Not to worry, I'm not sure we get a lot of those.

 

[RV]

bowl or not, he has gotta go. Enough is enough.

Can't say that Stoops has to stay or go - that's above my pay grade, but you certainly need to go directly to the ignore list.

Done.

 

[BIGBLUEQ]

So it is Johnson's fault that 2 receivers fumble and drop a pass that was almost a sure TD, into the DB's lap for the INT, on a perfectly thrown ball? Some of you guys are un-freakin' believable. Stoops can't catch the damn ball and Johnson can't throw and catch it for them too.

 

[Poetax]

Some people keep acting like the Miss St win was the norm. Come on man. Miss St played great today. I give them credit but they were playing terrible when we beat them and it took a 50 yard field goal on a cold night to get that win. We've been better this year for sure but we've also played really bad teams that historically are much better. Unfortunately we can't ever say we're having a down year. History tells us 99.9 % of our years are bad years.

Champ, why do you do this in every thread now? You're not happy, I think everyone on here knows that, and now nobody gives a crap anymore because of your consistent moaning. Personally I would give it up.

 

[Poetax]

After the Vols and Cards play pinball w/ the scoreboard, Stoops will be a whopping 2-14 in the last 4 games of his 4 seasons (counting an AP win) If that isn't worthy of a contract extension, I don't know what is.

Being a dick ain't going to make you popular if that is what you were going for?

 

[sefus12]

I REALLY wish we had a mandatory BAC tracker for any post after a UK game. Some of the idiotic posts would make a lot more sense if we could see that the person was blowing a .302 BAC. If they were completely sober and said some of the things they say, we should probably just ban them over to UL land.

 

[sefus12]

Champ, why do you do this in every thread now? You're not happy, I think everyone on here knows that, and now nobody gives a crap anymore because of your consistent moaning. Personally I would give it up.

Because some people are just happier being miserable. If you can't look at the improvement from week 1 to our loss last week and be happy about the progress then you will never be happy about a UK football team until we go 11-1 and those people would probably still ***** about the one loss.

Personally, I LOVE that we will, almost guaranteed, go to a bowl game this year. It seemed impossible after the first 2.5 games but somehow Stoops got the team to change/buy-in and we have ridden an emergency back-up QB and the youngest D in the SEC to 4 conference wins. If that still pisses you off, then you need to find something else to occupy your time. Being a Cats fan will never be for you.

 

[jauk11]

"The Stoops Era" isn't much different than any other "Era" since Blanton Collier got fired in 1962 (the last UK coach to achieve a winning record during their tenure as UK coach).

Blanton was a very good to great coach at UK, although having THREE HOF coaches as assistants probably helped a great deal, he proved he was a great coach by winning an NFL title at Cleveland. BUT he had a losing record in the SEC, about 40%, three seasons at 500 or above before the Bear's talent ran out, then 1,3 1,2, and 2 wins in the SEC his last five years. Would anyone on here be happy with those SEC wins today?

But then I don't blame him at all, banning out of state recruiting was asinine even back then when the SEC's southern states (integration led by UK) didn't take advantage of their huge reservoir of African American talent. Kind of like Brooks and Joker trying to convince recruits that UK wasn't just a basketball school and then having them see the "recruiting room".

 

[JC CATS]

bowl or not, he has gotta go. Enough is enough.

Bye! Don't let the door hit you, where the Good Lord split you

 

[louisvillesux]

Bye! Don't let the door hit you, where the Good Lord split you

yup, if youre not happy with the direction of the program..then youre never going to be happy. go do something else with your time and leave us fans alone.

 

[Chuckinden]

Man, I would love to sit down and talk UK football with you.

Only if his wife can sit with us.

 

[School boy]

The OP acts as if we already lost to UT and UL. Lets wait until those games are over first.

Mark does have to win one of those. No question