STOOPS

[shutzhund]

Here's what I think. He's stopped thinking he can delegate authority and decided to get into the game and go to work.

He was a rookie coach from a big program where trusting assistants was the norm. Case in point the defense since he took over.

It may have taken him awhile but I think this is an upward trend.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

If true, it took 3 years and a loss to Southern Miss. Also, that same DC is still employed. Time will tell I guess.

 

[Kybluedude]

Good points. He knows football for sure. Anyone that listens to him realizes it. Can recall every play and where each player was and what they did. Amazing in that respect. Grew up with it. Getting his hands dirty now and the improvement is noticeable. Guys in the right spots. Don't always make the play but their aligned correctly and carrying out assignments

 

[51stFan]

Do you really think a former DC head coach that was meddling in the offense philosophy was hands off with the defense? I hope im wrong, but I just can't see Stoops not playing a bigger role in the defense before two games ago. I guess we will see as the season goes on. If he did wait this long to fix a mess that could of been fixed in season one then what was he thinking?

 

[RackOps]

Do you really think a former DC head coach that was meddling in the offense philosophy was hands off with the defense? I hope im wrong, but I just can't see Stoops not playing a bigger role in the defense before two games ago. I guess we will see as the season goes on. If he did wait this long to fix a mess that could of been fixed in season one then what was he thinking?

His DC was a buddy from FSU.

He'd never worked with either of his previous OCs.

It's not hard to imagine him being far more watchful of the "O", even though in hindsight it was a mistake.

 

[51stFan]

His DC was a buddy from FSU.

He'd never worked with either of his previous OCs.

It's not hard to imagine him being far more watchful of the "O", even though in hindsight it was a mistake.

I've never met a college coach without a pretty big ego. It can actually be an asset. With that being said, I just find it hard to believe that Stoops would set back and watch something struggle for three years that he could supposedly fix in less than a week . No way he lets Elliott continue to take so much heat.

 

[Woodrow24]

I've never met a college coach without a pretty big ego. It can actually be an asset. With that being said, I just find it hard to believe that Stoops would set back and watch something struggle for three years that he could supposedly fix in less than a week . No way he lets Elliott continue to take so much heat.

I agree with you. Stoops has probably always been over the defense. I find it hard to believe that he would sit back and not be extremely hands on with the defense since he has a defensive background.

 

[howercat]

2-10, 5-7, 5-7, probably 4-8. He sure is a quick learner.

 

[51stFan]

I would hope that part of the reason that MB hired Stoops was because of his defensive background. I would think it is expected that a former defensive coordinator turned head coach would be solid on the side of the ball that they formerly coached.

This improvement can only mean one of three things 1) Elliott can't coach 2) if so why did Stoops let it go so long 3) we haven't faced offensive juggernauts the last two weeks.

Hopefully they righted the ship, but it just makes you wonder that if it was fixable in a week, why has it taken so long to step in.

 

[WonderBraa]

How was Eliot not demoted at the very minimum....he's not doing his job, get him out of here.

 

[reflaine]

If true, it took 3 years and a loss to Southern Miss. Also, that same DC is still employed. Time will tell I guess.

Have no problem keeping him on staff right now. If you fire him, you have to find someone to replace him. That person might not know the system. So you are coaching a man down. Also if you move him, and don't get a replacement mid season you are recruiting a man down

I would hope that part of the reason that MB hired Stoops was because of his defensive background. I would think it is expected that a former defensive coordinator turned head coach would be solid on the side of the ball that they formerly coached.

This improvement can only mean one of three things 1) Elliott can't coach 2) if so why did Stoops let it go so long 3) we haven't faced offensive juggernauts the last two weeks.

Hopefully they righted the ship, but it just makes you wonder that if it was fixable in a week, why has it taken so long to step in.

Maybe option four for defense improvement , we start 7 sophomores and two first year juco on d alone. Maybe it is an adjustment period for coaches on what they are completely comfortable running as players. Maybe as they gain experience, they think less and just react faster thus improving from just getting used to playing together. I think most of improvement is based on getting more experience, and should continue as we go along. Think this defense has a pretty high ceiling once they all get experience.

 

[Bluetick2100]

So with Stoops more hands on the defense we should much improved play of Elm correct?

It that a fair expectation?

 

[Kooky Kats_anon]

Vandy game is the line in the sand. He loses, his future is doomed here whether fired or one more lame duck year.

He wins, then he lives to fight another week.

 

[JPFisher]

How was Eliot not demoted at the very minimum....he's not doing his job, get him out of here.

Because Eliot has taken a similar role to what Dawson had at WVU that gave them a lot of success. Sits up in the box, relays what he sees, lets Stoops make most if not all the calls, but yet gives input.

 

[ukalum1988]

Because Eliot has taken a similar role to what Dawson had at WVU that gave them a lot of success. Sits up in the box, relays what he sees, lets Stoops make most if not all the calls, but yet gives input.

Excellent point.

 

[Blueaz]

Here's what I think. He's stopped thinking he can delegate authority and decided to get into the game and go to work.

He was a rookie coach from a big program where trusting assistants was the norm. Case in point the defense since he took over.

It may have taken him awhile but I think this is an upward trend.

I HOPE YOU ARE RIGHT.
But, I disagree with your reasoning.

I run analytics at my office on a monthly and have for a long time...constantly trying to determine trends

YES...2.5 games (defense) is an upward trend in one season, that started out as a disaster.

However, analyzing a four year period; 2.5 games (iffy, on Bama) is not close to an upward trend.

I honestly hope he has had a coaching epiphany, and turned the corner.

 

[UK Cats Rock]

I would hope that part of the reason that MB hired Stoops was because of his defensive background. I would think it is expected that a former defensive coordinator turned head coach would be solid on the side of the ball that they formerly coached.

This improvement can only mean one of three things 1) Elliott can't coach 2) if so why did Stoops let it go so long 3) we haven't faced offensive juggernauts the last two weeks.

Hopefully they righted the ship, but it just makes you wonder that if it was fixable in a week, why has it taken so long to step in.

Point #3: I read that Alabama's offense was ranked top 10 in the nation when we played them. Unless the person was wrong, I'd say that's a pretty darn good offense.

 

[tntuk]

I agree with you. Stoops has probably always been over the defense. I find it hard to believe that he would sit back and not be extremely hands on with the defense since he has a defensive background.

How do you explain the obvious improvement in the defense since the 2nd half of NMST game?

 

[Dallas-Wild]

So with Stoops more hands on the defense we should much improved play of Elm correct?

It that a fair expectation?

Elams play as far as downs played has dropped significantly with Stoops more hands on.

 

[buckkiller]

Do you really think a former DC head coach that was meddling in the offense philosophy was hands off with the defense? I hope im wrong, but I just can't see Stoops not playing a bigger role in the defense before two games ago. I guess we will see as the season goes on. If he did wait this long to fix a mess that could of been fixed in season one then what was he thinking?

He wasnt thinking only thing he has thought about is how many excuses can I spin like the far left media so UK fans and Mitch will buy it. Plus maybe I can get another extension and an increased buyout.

 

[51stFan]

Point #3: I read that Alabama's offense was ranked top 10 in the nation when we played them. Unless the person was wrong, I'd say that's a pretty darn good offense.

They are an efficient offense but not what I would consider"high octane". They took very few shots down the field but where pretty successful stat wise. Bama was 9-14 on third down. 488 total yards and 300 + passing and 170+ rushing. I liked the effort, but let's not get carried away in saying we had great success against them . If covering a 38 point spread by a touchdown is a win, then we got one. I agree it was an improvement over the first two games.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Do you really think a former DC head coach that was meddling in the offense philosophy was hands off with the defense? I hope im wrong, but I just can't see Stoops not playing a bigger role in the defense before two games ago. I guess we will see as the season goes on. If he did wait this long to fix a mess that could of been fixed in season one then what was he thinking?

People who believe Stoops wasn't involved in the D before NMSU are kidding themselves.

Even in an interview after that game Stoops addressed Eliot being in the booth but went on to say that they would coach/game plan/prepare the D "together" like "they always do" I think was his wording.

 

[Woodrow24]

How do you explain the obvious improvement in the defense since the 2nd half of NMST game?

Stoops called the defense the first half of that game to. I'm really glad he made the adjustments needed. I hope the improvements translate to a good season. I just find it hard to believe that stoops wasn't heavily involved with the defense in the past.

 

[tntuk]

Stoops called the defense the first half of that game to. I'm really glad he made the adjustments needed. I hope the improvements translate to a good season. I just find it hard to believe that stoops wasn't heavily involved with the defense in the past.

He may have been involved and I don't disagree there, but it does appear that he is now THE guy managing the defense.

Since the 2nd half of the NMST game the defense does seem to be playing with a lot of fire and heart - and on that side of the ball that's probably 95% of what's needed, to be successful.

 

[Blueaz]

Stoops called the defense the first half of that game to. I'm really glad he made the adjustments needed. I hope the improvements translate to a good season. I just find it hard to believe that stoops wasn't heavily involved with the defense in the past.

that has been one of the biggest issues for the past four years...2ND HALF ADJUSTMENTS

 

[shutzhund]

hOPEFU

So with Stoops more hands on the defense we should much improved play of Elm correct?

It that a fair expectation?

If there's a football player underneath all that fat then that would be a fair assumption. But a defense is more than one man and that has shown improvement across the lineup.

I'm not giddy about this but I sense a trend in Stoops getting down in the dirt and becoming more proactive.

 

[Woodrow24]

He may have been involved and I don't disagree there, but it does appear that he is now THE guy managing the defense.

Since the 2nd half of the NMST game the defense does seem to be playing with a lot of fire and heart - and on that side of the ball that's probably 95% of what's needed, to be successful.

I hope it works out for the team. Like to see a big win Saturday night.

 

[tuck66]

I wasn't able to watch enough of the first three games to see what Defense they were running. I'm going to assume it was mostly 3/4. I believe that's where the problem was at. It takes alot more discipline, instinct and intelligence to run a 3/4 defense and elite pass rushers as well. From the SCAR & Bama games, I did notice 4/3 quite a bit. I believe Stoops finally put his ego aside and realized he does NOT have the talent to run a 3/4. Thus the D has looked alot better, because that's what these kids know how to play.
Having said that.....I did send a tweet to Stoops and said "For God Sakes please quit running 3/4. I strongly doubt he got or heeded my beckoning.....but it would appear that someone did finally get this message across to him.....

 

[kyboy1998_rivals34276]

I've never met a college coach without a pretty big ego. It can actually be an asset. With that being said, I just find it hard to believe that Stoops would set back and watch something struggle for three years that he could supposedly fix in less than a week . No way he lets Elliott continue to take so much heat.

Just out of curiosity how many college coaches have you met? Spend any quality time with them? Hang out in coaching circles and super secret hang outs?

Just wondering if you are mistaking autograph sessions and handshakes as knowing someone? That said your statement could still be true if you were close to just one coach.

 

[morgousky]

We will be sitting here in his 10th year, minimal success at best, and some are so battered by uk football that they'll think he's our second coming of Bryant.

If you want to compete for east titles and have a chance to sneak into some big bowls, he's not the guy. If you are like our administration and are content with a possible 6 win season here and there, you got your man.

Stop breaking this down trying to find something to like about him. I personally don't like average to below average coaching staffs. I'm ready for a change.

 

[morgousky]

Just out of curiosity how many college coaches have you met? Spend any G time with them? Hang out in coaching circles and super secret hang outs?

Just wondering if you are mistaking autograph sessions and handshakes as knowing someone? That said your statement could still be true if you were close to just one coach.

In the general sense, big time college athletes of the current day have pretty big egos. Anytime you take a young man and thrust him into that kind of spotlight it's going to come with the territory. I've known several college athletes, was one myself. One of my golfing buddies played at UK from 06-08. But there are some who are down to earth, just not the norm Imo.

 

[Anon1660081258]

It cracks me up that everyone keeps approaching development of individual personnel and the unit like this is pro football. They ARE playing a lot of young guys on that defense. It is probably just as much (or more) the case that it has taken longer than hoped to prep both individuals and the unit to begin playing closer to potential. Schematic change might have much less to do with it.

 

[51stFan]

Just out of curiosity how many college coaches have you met? Spend any quality time with them? Hang out in coaching circles and super secret hang outs?

Just wondering if you are mistaking autograph sessions and handshakes as knowing someone? That said your statement could still be true if you were close to just one coach.

I live in a college town and actually know quite a few. All of them are not going to sit back and let the ship sink without stepping in.

 

[irishcat1965]

Have no problem keeping him on staff right now. If you fire him, you have to find someone to replace him. That person might not know the system. So you are coaching a man down. Also if you move him, and don't get a replacement mid season you are recruiting a man down



Maybe option four for defense improvement , we start 7 sophomores and two first year juco on d alone. Maybe it is an adjustment period for coaches on what they are completely comfortable running as players. Maybe as they gain experience, they think less and just react faster thus improving from just getting used to playing together. I think most of improvement is based on getting more experience, and should continue as we go along. Think this defense has a pretty high ceiling once they all get experience.

Maybe they just don't know what the hell they are doing.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

I agree with you. Stoops has probably always been over the defense. I find it hard to believe that he would sit back and not be extremely hands on with the defense since he has a defensive background.

I guess you guys don't know how much time and effort it takes to be a SEC football head coach.

It's a 24/7 job. It wouldn't surprise me if Stoops was trying to delegate to Eliot on the defense before stepping in lately.

 

[Woodrow24]

I guess you guys don't know how much time and effort it takes to be a SEC football head coach.

It's a 24/7 job. It wouldn't surprise me if Stoops was trying to delegate to Eliot on the defense before stepping in lately.

I don't know how time consuming being a college head coach is because I think stoops has always been extremely hands on with the defense? Lol

 

[buckkiller]

We will be sitting here in his 10th year, minimal success at best, and some are so battered by uk football that they'll think he's our second coming of Bryant.

If you want to compete for east titles and have a chance to sneak into some big bowls, he's not the guy. If you are like our administration and are content with a possible 6 win season here and there, you got your man.

Stop breaking this down trying to find something to like about him. I personally don't like average to below average coaching staffs. I'm ready for a change.

Thank you very much!!

 

[sluggercatfan]

They are an efficient offense but not what I would consider"high octane". They took very few shots down the field but where pretty successful stat wise. Bama was 9-14 on third down. 488 total yards and 300 + passing and 170+ rushing. I liked the effort, but let's not get carried away in saying we had great success against them . If covering a 38 point spread by a touchdown is a win, then we got one. I agree it was an improvement over the first two games.

47.5 ppg...sounds pretty high octane to me