My take on this season, and Stoops

[Vek96]

Look, I’m a diehard UK fan. I’ve had season tickets for 31 years now. I’m generally optimistic going into a new season. However, I’m kind of tired of the crap I’ve watched the last 2 plus seasons. It’s unacceptable. Stoops has had every advantage over every former Coach. Everything has been upgraded since he was hired. Facilities, recruiting budgets, assistant coaches. Not to mention, Stoops is being paid over $9 million a year. Think about that.

He’s being paid like a coach that has a top ten program in the Country. Uh, he’s not top ten in his conference. And quit with the, “It can’t be done at Kentucky“ crap. Two problems with that pathetic argument. 1. It can be done. Mizzou has proven this. They’ve played in 2 SEC Championship games since they’ve been in the league. Uh, Mizzou not exactly a football powerhouse. Indiana played in the CF playoffs last season, with , a first year head coach.

Stoops is in year 13? Dude embezzling $9 million a year, and can’t beat the also rans in the SEC now.
“

 

[Vek96]

I’ll be in the orange lot again this season. White Tahoe. Right in front of the barn looking building. Feel free to stop by. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year that UK wins the East, and plays in the SEC Championship game..

 

[R.O.T.Muckinfush]

Agree on all points. I think Stoops gets 2 more years regardless of what happens this year. Hoping for the best and maybe with his back against a wall he will respond like the last time he almost got fired and then made a bowl game. Sometimes that is the pressure needed to perform. I just don't see it though and likely 2 more seasons of crap.

 

[Vek96]

Agree on all points. I think Stoops gets 2 more years regardless of what happens this year. Hoping for the best and maybe with his back against a wall he will respond like the last time he almost got fired and then made a bowl game. Sometimes that is the pressure needed to perform. I just don't see it though and likely 2 more seasons of crap.

Great post.

 

[OldRed]

Well, last year's team did seem to have an effort problem. Getting that cured will be extremely important. If you don't have top talent and you have a bad attitude, you will lose a bunch.

 

[Vek96]

Well, last year's team did seem to have an effort problem. Getting that cured will be extremely important. If you don't have top talent and you have a bad attitude, you will lose a bunch.

Agree. Last years team was mostly unlikable. Not just because they sucked, but, the lack of emotion, and lackadaisical attitude, was embarrassing, and unacceptable.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Agree. Last years team was mostly unlikable. Not just because they sucked, but, the lack of emotion, and lackadaisical attitude, was embarrassing, and unacceptable.

I think one of the biggest issues with the problems you mentioned move up 75. At one time he was a fan favorite because he was a decent recruiter. But he wasn't liked or respected by anyone else. Had a huge ego and despite supposedly be a good friend of CMS, good friends dont let CMS find out he is leaving via the media, I dont believe he was all in the last couple years.

 

[Vek96]

I think one of the biggest issues with the problems you mentioned move up 75. At one time he was a fan favorite because he was a decent recruiter. But he wasn't liked or respected by anyone else. Had a huge ego and despite supposedly be a good friend of CMS, good friends dont let CMS find out he is leaving via the media, I dont believe he was all in the last couple years.

Solid post.

 

[ksrbluesbrother]

Look, I’m a diehard UK fan. I’ve had season tickets for 31 years now. I’m generally optimistic going into a new season. However, I’m kind of tired of the crap I’ve watched the last 2 plus seasons. It’s unacceptable. Stoops has had every advantage over every former Coach. Everything has been upgraded since he was hired. Facilities, recruiting budgets, assistant coaches. Not to mention, Stoops is being paid over $9 million a year. Think about that.

He’s being paid like a coach that has a top ten program in the Country. Uh, he’s not top ten in his conference. And quit with the, “It can’t be done at Kentucky“ crap. Two problems with that pathetic argument. 1. It can be done. Mizzou has proven this. They’ve played in 2 SEC Championship games since they’ve been in the league. Uh, Mizzou not exactly a football powerhouse. Indiana played in the CF playoffs last season, with , a first year head coach.

Stoops is in year 13? Dude embezzling $9 million a year, and can’t beat the also rans in the SEC now.
“

What would his overall record look like if he didn't schedule MAC teams every year? I agree with you and I am not happy with Stoops in the least. Embezzling $9 million a year from the University is a good way to look at it. It's embarrassing and Mitch is trying his best to ride that dead horse as far as he can to avoid another football coaching search before retiring.

 

[Lost In FL]

What would his overall record look like if he didn't schedule MAC teams every year? I agree with you and I am not happy with Stoops in the least. Embezzling $9 million a year from the University is a good way to look at it. It's embarrassing and Mitch is trying his best to ride that dead horse as far as he can to avoid another football coaching search before retiring.

non-conf, non bowl game, i have him at 37-7. remove UL (6-5) and that improves to 31-2. The 2 losses were at WKU and Southern Miss.

$EC ... I have him at 36-62 (37%).

Bowl games ... 4-4.
Overall 77-73

IDC about $EC or NCAA voiding a year...

 

[CGBlue1.0]

I think one of the biggest issues with the problems you mentioned move up 75. At one time he was a fan favorite because he was a decent recruiter. But he wasn't liked or respected by anyone else. Had a huge ego and despite supposedly be a good friend of CMS, good friends dont let CMS find out he is leaving via the media, I dont believe he was all in the last couple years.

And he apparently had a terrible sense of direction..

 

[Bereacat]

And he apparently had a terrible sense of direction..

I was talking to a couple guys from Louisville in a job site. The guy told me they came through Cincy to get to Richmond

 

[wkucat88]

Looks like he shoulda stayed at Youngstown St.

 

[Snarks]

100% sick of the Stoops apologists. He’s had more resources, better facilities, and more money than any football coach in UK history. If Stoops didn’t want increased expectations he shouldn’t have held out for such top tier pay. I wish I could get a huge pay increase with a decrease in results and face zero repercussions with my job!

 

[JHannibalSmith]

He has had TWO seasons out of 12 that were above average. Unless you want to count the 8-5 year, which was a sweet 7-5 regular season. His record here is smoke & mirrors bc he benefited from an historically down SECE for years & gets the added benefit of scheduling an extra cupcake game every season. Plus, UL has been down for at least half of his tenure.

I know I say that a lot on here, but, it feels necessary. So many ppl still act like Stoops is irreplaceable & that no other coach could possibly have a .500 career, here. But, if Brooks & Claiborne had the support & advantages that Stoops has gotten, we’d have a much different history right now, IMO. It’s just apples & oranges trying to compare Stoops with any other coach from our past.

FTR, I actually think Stoops is an excellent coach in most phases of the job. He’s really good at evaluating talent & roster building. He’s had the most talented rosters of my lifetime, going back to the 70s, IMO. But, his in-game coaching is so bad that it negates most of the good things he does. I mean, he’s bad.

And, discipline has always been a problem. But, it got out of hand last year. The cherry on top was a freaking player buying a hot dog, at the concession stand, mid-game, for the love of God. I’m not even gonna mention the penalties, personal fouls, cheap shots, **** talking, etc. Paying him a top 10 salary for top 50 results is what really makes it hard to stomach, though. Personally, I think there are dozens of coaches who could, at minimum, duplicate Stoops’ success. And, at a fraction of the cost.

 

[cj1970]

Well, last year's team did seem to have an effort problem. Getting that cured will be extremely important. If you don't have top talent and you have a bad attitude, you will lose a bunch.

I'm actually interested to see how the change in team building strategy works out this year. It's an uphill climb regardless with our schedule, but the decision to pivot away from trying to fill our roster with highly ranked/recruited transfers that didn't pan out at other power programs to going after proven players that have been all-conference at smaller D1 programs (the kind of players that might not be "prototype" build-wise, but usually come in to SEC/BIG10 stadiums and win their matchup all day long). I like the idea. Think it's smart. But our schedule is such that even if it does pan out our record might not make us feel like it worked.

 

[megablue]

I think we'll really miss Alex Raynor this season in the kicking game. He was "money" for the past two (2) years, in my opinion.
Hopefully, we will have a very capable replacement.

 

[ukalum1988]

I’ll be in the orange lot again this season. White Tahoe. Right in front of the barn looking building. Feel free to stop by. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year that UK wins the East, and plays in the SEC Championship game..

I actually scored an Orange Lot pass for this upcoming season. I had been on the waiting list since before the 2023 season.

Orange Lot was top choice, honestly figured I would get stuck with Purple Lot and then would have to work my way up. I consider this as a data point of fans not renewing tickets / parking passes.

By the way, I’ve been tailgating in the Orange Lot since the 2021 season. Me and my crew hang out under a small tree at the edge of the lot as it transitions to the RV parking.

I’m expecting a 4-8, maybe 5-7 season. I drank the Blue Kool Aid prior to last season, much to my regret.

 

[Randy Bob]

Most of the Stoops wins at Ky has been weak non conference games the guy is not a good coach if we had a real AD he would have been gone a long time ago.

 

[BringonBama]

The quicker this season is over the sooner Jon Sumrall can get to Lexington.

 

[LordEgg]

i just want to see line play that doesnt look middle school.

 

[TuckyFB]

Nice to see the biggest and brightest minds are here to tell us about how ****** the season is going to be.

 

[cawood12]

I recently watched the Netflix show on QB's. I think Calzada gives this team the best chance it's had in 3 years. Also having the same OC has to help.
Tn will lose at least 4 games this yr. SC needs a whole new Ol. Other than TX, GA, Bama, Lsu, every team has some real struggles to overcome. This will be a year ky can exceed expectations

 

[K_TIME]

It's hard as all get out to hype up a season where you play as bad as UK did and lose all but 1 DL off 2 deep depth chart, 2 dang good ILB, top WR in Dane Key.....and whatever you think of Barion's game....he was at least a pure speed threat.....and you only made 1 coaching change (in Marrow leaving of his own desire)....and we play basically the same schedule as last year.

Stoops had a good solid run at UK......why our AD is allergic to giving just 4 year contracts is beyond all imagination....we'd only have 2-3 years of Stoops to buy out vs. the current 6 freaking years after this glorious debacle we are about to behold.

 

[Bereacat]

It's hard as all get out to hype up a season where you play as bad as UK did and lose all but 1 DL off 2 deep depth chart, 2 dang good ILB, top WR in Dane Key.....and whatever you think of Barion's game....he was at least a pure speed threat.....and you only made 1 coaching change (in Marrow leaving of his own desire)....and we play basically the same schedule as last year.

Stoops had a good solid run at UK......why our AD is allergic to giving just 4 year contracts is beyond all imagination....we'd only have 2-3 years of Stoops to buy out vs. the current 6 freaking years after this glorious debacle we are about to behold.

Actually 2 coaches left on their own. The WR coach left too. Supposedly Marrow was one of the reasons he left. I am having trouble seeing Afari as an ILB. They made it work with Square, so possibly it works. Most of the D will be transfers. If Hayes is healthy, he will help at NT. No way to know how all these new guys will mesh. Hopefully some of these younger guys that were supposed to be big time recruits put in the work and step up and help out.

 

[RedLotCat]

With 50 new players in the program you have to believe there will be change….just don’t know if it’s good or worse.

 

[K_TIME]

Actually 2 coaches left on their own. The WR coach left too. Supposedly Marrow was one of the reasons he left. I am having trouble seeing Afari as an ILB. They made it work with Square, so possibly it works. Most of the D will be transfers. If Hayes is healthy, he will help at NT. No way to know how all these new guys will mesh. Hopefully some of these younger guys that were supposed to be big time recruits put in the work and step up and help out.

Agreed....I am very skeptical of quite a few things on this team (Oline is a brand new, QB...complete flyer to me, is the FG kicking going to go back to the Ruffalo days of who knows if we can make one, etc...)....but the defense front 7 is a ton smaller than what we've been in many years under Stoops

NG - Gusta 6'3 317....then Hayes is the backup
DE- Humphrey-Grace...270 lbs
DT - Khalill Saunders...not even 300 lbs

Jack - Kam Olds 252 lbs
MLB - Devin Raynor 217 lbs
WLB - Afari 227 lbs


We basically had Walker (330 lbs), Rybka (310 lbs), Silver (320 lbs), Oxendine (318 lbs), Dumas- Johnson (245 lbs), DJackson (245 lbs)....and across the board we're smaller in every single spot essentially.

That may be the smallest front 7 in all the SEC.....I don't great feeling about being this small.

 

[Littlecreek10]

Agreed....I am very skeptical of quite a few things on this team (Oline is a brand new, QB...complete flyer to me, is the FG kicking going to go back to the Ruffalo days of who knows if we can make one, etc...)....but the defense front 7 is a ton smaller than what we've been in many years under Stoops

NG - Gusta 6'3 317....then Hayes is the backup
DE- Humphrey-Grace...270 lbs
DT - Khalill Saunders...not even 300 lbs

Jack - Kam Olds 252 lbs
MLB - Devin Raynor 217 lbs
WLB - Afari 227 lbs


We basically had Walker (330 lbs), Rybka (310 lbs), Silver (320 lbs), Oxendine (318 lbs), Dumas- Johnson (245 lbs), DJackson (245 lbs)....and across the board we're smaller in every single spot essentially.

That may be the smallest front 7 in all the SEC.....I don't great feeling about being this small.

That doesn't look very promising. That's the size Kentucky players were 20 years ago.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

Agreed....I am very skeptical of quite a few things on this team (Oline is a brand new, QB...complete flyer to me, is the FG kicking going to go back to the Ruffalo days of who knows if we can make one, etc...)....but the defense front 7 is a ton smaller than what we've been in many years under Stoops

NG - Gusta 6'3 317....then Hayes is the backup
DE- Humphrey-Grace...270 lbs
DT - Khalill Saunders...not even 300 lbs

Jack - Kam Olds 252 lbs
MLB - Devin Raynor 217 lbs
WLB - Afari 227 lbs


We basically had Walker (330 lbs), Rybka (310 lbs), Silver (320 lbs), Oxendine (318 lbs), Dumas- Johnson (245 lbs), DJackson (245 lbs)....and across the board we're smaller in every single spot essentially.

That may be the smallest front 7 in all the SEC.....I don't great feeling about being this small.

Austin Ramsey has moved to DL and down some 50-60 lbs to 303 according to UK site

Robinson and the Smith twins and a few other big recruits need to show the talent this season.

Full roster:

Football

The Official Athletic Site of UK Athletics, partner of WMT Digital. The most comprehensive coverage of Kentucky Wildcats Football on the web with highlights, scores, news, schedules, rosters, and more!

ukathletics.com

 

[Blueaz]

I think one of the biggest issues with the problems you mentioned move up 75. At one time he was a fan favorite because he was a decent recruiter. But he wasn't liked or respected by anyone else. Had a huge ego and despite supposedly be a good friend of CMS, good friends dont let CMS find out he is leaving via the media, I dont believe he was all in the last couple years.

It's crazy who many here, thought "he hung the moon"... then turned opinion when he left

 

[K_TIME]

Austin Ramsey has moved to DL and down some 50-60 lbs to 303 according to UK site

Robinson and the Smith twins and a few other big recruits need to show the talent this season.

Full roster:

Football

The Official Athletic Site of UK Athletics, partner of WMT Digital. The most comprehensive coverage of Kentucky Wildcats Football on the web with highlights, scores, news, schedules, rosters, and more!

ukathletics.com

And the lack of Brian Robinson and Smith Twins not grabbing a starting spot sort of bugs me.....they had a RS year to acclimate.

To be blunt....

- Khalil Saunders has never wowed me...he's like a depth piece at best...but the thought he's a starter....is a reality to me our Dline isn't shaping up.
- It's nearly impossible to have an opinion on the Humphrey-Grace and Gusta as they are transfers from schools not prime time.
- If I am a team playing UK....I would just do into double tight end and run the ball down UK's throat and then play action us when we pull up the safeties.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

And the lack of Brian Robinson and Smith Twins not grabbing a starting spot sort of bugs me.....they had a RS year to acclimate.

To be blunt....

- Khalil Saunders has never wowed me...he's like a depth piece at best...but the thought he's a starter....is a reality to me our Dline isn't shaping up.
- It's nearly impossible to have an opinion on the Humphrey-Grace and Gusta as they are transfers from schools not prime time.
- If I am a team playing UK....I would just do into double tight end and run the ball down UK's throat and then play action us when we pull up the safeties.

Let's let Fall camp take place first they have their chance.

 

[3 Putts]

Let's let Fall camp take place first they have their chance.

Totally agree, nothing is set in stone at this point. Gonna also add that Josiah Hayes is 320 and looked really good in ‘23, ended up playing in the last three or four games last year so his achilles seems to have healed well. If he’s healthy, he’ll be a force imo.