This is more than just a loss

[STUCKNBIG10]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but this loss last night was yet another failure to fully win back the fan base. There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again. UK can seemingly NEVER win a game against a marquee program even when that program is down. Beating South Carolina and Vandy is one thing, but it would be nice to beat an Auburn or Georgia or UT.

Stoops has, without exception, failed to close the deal on these kinds of games despite multiple close calls (Florida in Gainesville 2 years ago, last night, Auburn last year, Florida last year, etc).

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

 

[ukdoc11]

Yeah, you're right! Stoops failed to hold onto a 60 yard bomb that hit right in his hands. Stoops fumbled the ball on our 38 yard line trying to take on 3 players when he should have just dropped down. Stoops lost his concentration and had to hold on a field goal attempt that took 3 points off the board.

The coaches dialed up the right plays, the players didn't produce.

Plain and simple.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Yeah, you're right! Stoops failed to hold onto a 60 yard bomb that hit right in his hands. Stoops fumbled the ball on our 38 yard line trying to take on 3 players when he should have just dropped down. Stoops lost his concentration and had to hold on a field goal attempt that took 3 points off the board.

The coaches dialed up the right plays, the players didn't produce.

Plain and simple.

He recruits the players. He is paid $3MM+ each year to get them to concentrate and catch balls and not turn the ball over. The buck stops with him.

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

From a results standpoint, Stoops has done a decent job, especially this season. I can't blame the fans if they don't come out in troves, though. The frustration with this program extends far beyond stoops.

 

[reflaine]

We lost to a better more talented football team last night. That happens. But we fought tooth an nail with them until the final horn. We can't ask for more than that. A play here or there and we are the talk of the nation. For this team to be in this spot after getting called a junior college, slung through the mud first three weeks, being told we have he worst defense in college football history to have a chance at the east and showed we belong in the sec is a great case for stoops to be mentioned for sec coach if the year

 

[Fadhi]

He recruits the players. He is paid $3MM+ each year to get them to concentrate and catch balls and not turn the ball over. The buck stops with him.

You are saying that in hindsight, Stoops shouldn't have recruited Badet because he ultimately dropped a pass in game 9 of his junior year?

 

[donngottie]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but this loss last night was yet another failure to fully win back the fan base. There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again. UK can seemingly NEVER win a game against a marquee program even when that program is down. Beating South Carolina and Vandy is one thing, but it would be nice to beat an Auburn or Georgia or UT.

Stoops has, without exception, failed to close the deal on these kinds of games despite multiple close calls (Florida in Gainesville 2 years ago, last night, Auburn last year, Florida last year, etc).

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

It's not a large segment of our fanbase. It's a smaller percentage that doesn't understand football very well. A percentage that blames stoops or the qb for things that happened the last 20 or 30 years before any of them(Stoops/players)even got here. If you want to judge Stoops vs prior 30 years at least be fair about it. He's won 4 Sec games and how many times has that happened before he got here? He's gotten the program national exposure I've only seen one other time since the 70s. That was the year Brooks beat Lsu. Team lost a big game but their turnaround this year is to be commended. They deserve a pat on the back for fighting to the end not a kick when they are down but this small percentage of our fan base would rather hurt the program and take the low road. Keep bashing!

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

It's not a large segment of our fanbase. It's a smaller percentage that doesn't understand football very well. A percentage that blames stoops or the qb for things that happened the last 20 or 30 years before any of them(Stoops/players)even got here. If you want to judge Stoops vs prior 30 years at least be fair about it. He's won 4 Sec games and how many times has that happened before he got here? He's gotten the program national exposure I've only seen one other time since the 70s. That was the year Brooks beat Lsu. Team lost a big game but their turnaround this year is to be commended. They deserve a pat on the back for fighting to the end not a kick when they are down but this small percentage of our fan base would rather hurt the program and take the low road. Keep bashing!

Fans are more than justified in being frustrated with the program in general. It's mostly been a bad show for decades. It's unfortunate for stoops, but that frustration doesn't get wiped away just because there's a new coach. Like saying employees who've been mistreated for 20+ years should automatically be joyous because there's a new boss, even if results aren't substantially better overall.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Awful post. Our players were in position all night long. Recievers bobbled away the game.

On D, in the final possession, we called the perfect d. The dbs were sitting on that short out. When it was thrown, we hesitated. Should've been a pick 6 game winner

 

[donngottie]

Fans aren't justified when your blaming the new boss for something the old boss did. I'm as frustrated as anyone else we lost but our fans have no perspective on things because of the last 30 years of mindf...... from the program.

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

Fans aren't justified when your blaming the new boss for something the old boss did. I'm as frustrated as anyone else we lost but our fans have no perspective on things because of the last 30 years of mindf...... from the program.

Most people aren't blaming stoops. They're pissed off at the program in general. Like it or not, that's completely fair.

 

[Hjack]

Yeah, you're right! Stoops failed to hold onto a 60 yard bomb that hit right in his hands. Stoops fumbled the ball on our 38 yard line trying to take on 3 players when he should have just dropped down. Stoops lost his concentration and had to hold on a field goal attempt that took 3 points off the board.

The coaches dialed up the right plays, the players didn't produce.

Plain and simple.

I think we should all contact Stoops and tell him to only recruit perfect players. No dropped passes, perfect passes, perfect tacklers, speedy RB's who can't be tackled.

After all, he is being paid money, and he, like all of us, needs to do a perfect job.

 

[jgraf1]

The fact that anyone wants a change after last night's game is absolutely unbelievable! UK played hard and was coached well. Both teams played really well. Both teams have issues and it showed. But does this mean the season is over or Stoops' tenure should end....hell no! I could understand this if UK was blown out but that's not the case here.

 

[shutzhund]

Yeah, you're right! Stoops failed to hold onto a 60 yard bomb that hit right in his hands. Stoops fumbled the ball on our 38 yard line trying to take on 3 players when he should have just dropped down. Stoops lost his concentration and had to hold on a field goal attempt that took 3 points off the board.

The coaches dialed up the right plays, the players didn't produce.

Plain and simple.

You deserve more likes but that appears to be all I can give.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

It's not a large segment of our fanbase. It's a smaller percentage that doesn't understand football very well. A percentage that blames stoops or the qb for things that happened the last 20 or 30 years before any of them(Stoops/players)even got here. If you want to judge Stoops vs prior 30 years at least be fair about it. He's won 4 Sec games and how many times has that happened before he got here? He's gotten the program national exposure I've only seen one other time since the 70s. That was the year Brooks beat Lsu. Team lost a big game but their turnaround this year is to be commended. They deserve a pat on the back for fighting to the end not a kick when they are down but this small percentage of our fan base would rather hurt the program and take the low road. Keep bashing!

I think you're wrong. My reasoning is that UK used to have no trouble selling out 72,000 for a "big game" like last night. We have reduced capacity significantly and now we had to beg borrow and steal to put 60,000 in there last night and the upper corners were still empty. There is a big chunk of the fanbase that seems to be in "prove it" mode and we again failed last night.

I'm not bashing. I freaking love UK football despite the years of heartache that it has provided me. I'm just telling it like i see it.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Awful post. Our players were in position all night long. Recievers bobbled away the game.

On D, in the final possession, we called the perfect d. The dbs were sitting on that short out. When it was thrown, we hesitated. Should've been a pick 6 game winner

We did not call the perfect D on the last possession. our DBs were giving 10 yards of cushion. They didn't do that b/c they just felt like it. They played that way b/c they were instructed to play that way.

 

[shutzhund]

He recruits the players. He is paid $3MM+ each year to get them to concentrate and catch balls and not turn the ball over. The buck stops with him.

Post short on knowledge but right up there in ill placed anger.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Fans aren't justified when your blaming the new boss for something the old boss did. I'm as frustrated as anyone else we lost but our fans have no perspective on things because of the last 30 years of mindf...... from the program.

It's not just the old boss. Stoops has not won a marquee game since being here. He has lost to very mediocre UF, AU, UGA, and UT teams (though he was close on a few). Vandy won in athens. South Carolina beat UT. Other bad teams are beating these marquee teams, why is it too much to ask for us to do the same now and then?

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

The fact that anyone wants a change after last night's game is absolutely unbelievable! UK played hard and was coached well. Both teams played really well. Both teams have issues and it showed. But does this mean the season is over or Stoops' tenure should end....hell no! I could understand this if UK was blown out but that's not the case here.

I don't want a change. He deserves to come back for 2017 (assuming that we beat Austin Peay). My point is that 6-6 against this schedule is not exactly worthy of a hero's worship.

 

[Rockford]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but this loss last night was yet another failure to fully win back the fan base. There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again. UK can seemingly NEVER win a game against a marquee program even when that program is down. Beating South Carolina and Vandy is one thing, but it would be nice to beat an Auburn or Georgia or UT.

Stoops has, without exception, failed to close the deal on these kinds of games despite multiple close calls (Florida in Gainesville 2 years ago, last night, Auburn last year, Florida last year, etc).

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

Another "Knee Meets Forehead" post.

Yes, "without exception"...... that's why we are bowling this season after a five year lull.

 

[donngottie]

It's not just the old boss. Stoops has not won a marquee game since being here. He has lost to very mediocre UF, AU, UGA, and UT teams (though he was close on a few). Vandy won in athens. South Carolina beat UT. Other bad teams are beating these marquee teams, why is it too much to ask for us to do the same now and then?

Those bad teams are losing to each other too. We beat all of them. I'd rather be where we are at than where vandy or scarolina is too. Season ain't over yet.. we have some opportunities left still.

 

[Kats23]

It does suck that we had a near sellout, looked like an SEC school crowd and then UK crapped the bed. For the 10-15,000 that showed last night because of the Miss st and Mizzou wins, they are probably gone till next season unless UK can find a way to beat UT. 6-6 should be celebrated bc of how the season started. Winning last night would of been a huge momentum booster going into next season for season ticket sales and just a feel good moment for the program.

A bowl is what we wanted and after the past few years, just give me a bowl but I understand last night's frustrations. That was a golden opportunity.

 

[jgraf1]

I don't want a change. He deserves to come back for 2017 (assuming that we beat Austin Peay). My point is that 6-6 against this schedule is not exactly worthy of a hero's worship.

Agree with this. I just can't understand why this game was some people's breaking point.

 

[merrimanm]

I think we should all contact Stoops and tell him to only recruit perfect players. No dropped passes, perfect passes, perfect tacklers, speedy RB's who can't be tackled.

After all, he is being paid money, and he, like all of us, needs to do a perfect job.

Yeah. I mean how dare him recruit humans that aren't perfect and make mistakes. Hell, if we would just recruit half of the bandwagoners on here, he would have a perfect team. These guys posting here have never done wrong. When they played sports, they caught every pass, threw every pass perfectly, tackled every runner behind the line of scrimmage, intercepted every pass. I mean, that is why they are on this message board instead of playing professionally.

 

[jnewc2_rivals30628]

If we want a .500 record with the occasional 7 win (or 5-win) season Stoops is our guy, if we ever want anything more it's pretty clear he's not the guy. Last night showed for the 100th time that when the chips are on the line Stoops coaches tight and scared. I was hoping he had gotten over it the last few weeks but last night we once again saw him overthinking things and hurting himself and his players because of it. Instead of giving Snell (and Boom) carries out of the wildcat steadily throughout the game (which is clearly our strength) he waits until halfway through the 4th quarter to give him the ball (and we proceed to march it right down Georgia's throat).

Coaches were coaching tight and were overthinking things once again last night. Stoops can try and convince us that was a great Georgia team (like he did on his post game show) but that was a bad Georgia team, I'm sorry, but it's true. That's a team that Vandy beat in their own back yard and a team that was lucky to beat Nichols State. That's a team we should have beat last night but once again in the big game when the lights are brightest Stoops overthinks things and coaches scared and tight.

 

[merrimanm]

If we want a .500 record with the occasional 7 win (or 5-win) season Stoops is our guy, if we ever want anything more it's pretty clear he's not the guy. Last night showed for the 100th time that when the chips are on the line Stoops coaches tight and scared. I was hoping he had gotten over it the last few weeks but last night we once again saw him overthinking things and hurting himself and his players because of it. Instead of giving Snell (and Boom) carries out of the wildcat steadily throughout the game (which is clearly our strength) he waits until halfway through the 4th quarter to give him the ball (and we proceed to march it right down Georgia's throat).

Coaches were coaching tight and were overthinking things once again last night. Stoops can try and convince us that was a great Georgia team (like he did on his post game show) but that was a bad Georgia team, I'm sorry, but it's true. That's a team that Vandy beat in their own back yard and a team that was lucky to beat Nichols State. That's a team we should have beat last night but once again in the big game when the lights are brightest Stoops overthinks things and coaches scared and tight.

Did you watch the game? They ran the wildcat plenty during the first half, it just wasn't very successful. The pass plays they did call were great ones. The problem is that there were 2 drops, one that got intercepted instead of being a TD. And on one, it was caught and then fumbled.

Did you see the reverse they used that worked pretty well. Screen passes? I mean really, the only play in the game that was a poor call was the fade route. And the only reason I say that is because I HATE that play. Now, I understand why they threw it, and can agree with them, but my own personal hate of the play makes me hate the call.

 

[reflaine]

It does suck that we had a near sellout, looked like an SEC school crowd and then UK crapped the bed. For the 10-15,000 that showed last night because of the Miss st and Mizzou wins, they are probably gone till next season unless UK can find a way to beat UT. 6-6 should be celebrated bc of how the season started. Winning last night would of been a huge momentum booster going into next season for season ticket sales and just a feel good moment for the program.

A bowl is what we wanted and after the past few years, just give me a bowl but I understand last night's frustrations. That was a golden opportunity.

Do you really believe even if we won last night there was going to be a big crowd for Austin peay in November. Would of been the season ticket holders and whatever comp tickets they gave out. No one would spend 45 bucks a pop to watch those. Georgia had name appeal (and brought a lot of people themselves). You replace vandy team and a Georgia team just in name alone with same thing on line and crowd is no where near that large or rowdy.

 

[Blue Decade]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but this loss last night was yet another failure to fully win back the fan base. There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again. UK can seemingly NEVER win a game against a marquee program even when that program is down. Beating South Carolina and Vandy is one thing, but it would be nice to beat an Auburn or Georgia or UT.

Stoops has, without exception, failed to close the deal on these kinds of games despite multiple close calls (Florida in Gainesville 2 years ago, last night, Auburn last year, Florida last year, etc).

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

Context is everything. It looks like you don't get that. You say "Stoops has WITHOUT EXCEPTION failed to close the deal on THESE KIND OF GAMES." But that statement is demonstrably false, which shows you haven't been paying attention. Besides, this team was never going to go 12-0 or even 8-4. Ever. In September, this team got beat at home by Southern Miss, then pasted in The Swamp by Florida. Since the 2-game blown start to the season, Kentucky has gone 5-2 (4-2), including a win at Missouri that was Stoops' 2nd SEC road win. Ever. Football teams are built year by year, recruiting class by recruiting class. Throughout Stoops' time at Kentucky, Georgia has had higher-ranked recruiting classes than Kentucky every year. That means Georgia still has the more talented roster. It would have been great if Kentucky had played an error-free game yesterday. But turnovers are not 1 of this team's strengths, and that was the difference in the game. But a team with a less talented roster and a 2nd string quarterback almost pulled out yesterday's game through hard work and determination. A month ago, most posters here were desperate to fire Stoops. Now Stoops is taking this team to a bowl. That's overachievement. And that's improvement. Next year, Stoops will bring back 19 starters, both kickers, and a long list of impressive redshirts. Our program is on the upswing. What really matters now is the next recruiting class and the 15 extra practices in December. That's what I meant by understanding the context. Support our players. Support our coaches. Hope for the best. But please cut the crap.

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

If we want a .500 record with the occasional 7 win (or 5-win) season Stoops is our guy, if we ever want anything more it's pretty clear he's not the guy. Last night showed for the 100th time that when the chips are on the line Stoops coaches tight and scared. I was hoping he had gotten over it the last few weeks but last night we once again saw him overthinking things and hurting himself and his players because of it. Instead of giving Snell (and Boom) carries out of the wildcat steadily throughout the game (which is clearly our strength) he waits until halfway through the 4th quarter to give him the ball (and we proceed to march it right down Georgia's throat).

Coaches were coaching tight and were overthinking things once again last night. Stoops can try and convince us that was a great Georgia team (like he did on his post game show) but that was a bad Georgia team, I'm sorry, but it's true. That's a team that Vandy beat in their own back yard and a team that was lucky to beat Nichols State. That's a team we should have beat last night but once again in the big game when the lights are brightest Stoops overthinks things and coaches scared and tight.

Uhhh we ran the wildcat all game long

 

[sluggercatfan]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but this loss last night was yet another failure to fully win back the fan base. There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again. UK can seemingly NEVER win a game against a marquee program even when that program is down. Beating South Carolina and Vandy is one thing, but it would be nice to beat an Auburn or Georgia or UT.

Stoops has, without exception, failed to close the deal on these kinds of games despite multiple close calls (Florida in Gainesville 2 years ago, last night, Auburn last year, Florida last year, etc).

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

Very good post and a perfect evaluation of the situation and this from an individual who goes to every game...I don't care what anybody says...the better team did not win last night because players did not make plays and the play calling on 1st and goal at the 9 was really bad

 

[donngottie]

For those questioning playcalling on final drive ... what would u have dialed up? Myself I put Johnson under center and handoff to snell on first down. If he gets stoned it's play action on second down and I'm looking for Conrad and again on third down rolling out the qb

 

[Holly Springs Dawg 3]

Yeah, you're right! Stoops failed to hold onto a 60 yard bomb that hit right in his hands. Stoops fumbled the ball on our 38 yard line trying to take on 3 players when he should have just dropped down. Stoops lost his concentration and had to hold on a field goal attempt that took 3 points off the board.

The coaches dialed up the right plays, the players didn't produce.

Plain and simple.

To be fair if your guy doesn't hold, you still don't get 3 points. Because without the hold the kick gets blocked. I understand your point, and I guess you could say if he hadn't gotten beat off the ball so badly he wouldn't have been forced to hold.
But again I understand you point. It was a great game. And y'all have a very good team. Good luck the rest of the way.

 

[Blueaz]

There is a large segment of our fanbase that is just sick and tired of getting their hopes up only to get devastated again.

I think a win last night would have fully unified the fanbase and gotten everyone truly pumped up for the rest of the year and a great 2017. Instead, we are once again mired in mediocrity with no big wins to which to point.

Why were hopes DEVASTATED? if a fan's hopes hinged on us beating more talented GA team. That is a fan problem.

The first sentence of last paragraph is more true about the fanbase.

But then you miss again. A loss to GA has this mired in mediocrity? That is rick pitino level hyperbole, congrats.

 

[Dawgsnationalchampions!1]

UK fans have nothing to be ashamed of played a good game last night I think you guys beat UTjr next week there extremely overrated and have a used car salesman for a Head Coach.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

We did not call the perfect D on the last possession. our DBs were giving 10 yards of cushion. They didn't do that b/c they just felt like it. They played that way b/c they were instructed to play that way.

I'm talking about one play in particular. I have no clue why Westry gives that kid of cushion, especially in that scenario. So we totally agree on that part.

 

[brianpoe]

People need to stop moving the goalposts.

A bowl game is what was needed this season, we have that.

Next year we need to win a big game - 7 regular season wins minimum.

If we can be a legit 7-8 win team year in and year out, with an occasional 6-6 along with a great 9 win season, then I would ok, as I think that is UK's ceiling.

Next season is another step. These other teams will not remain down, we must continue to improve.

 

[Kats23]

Do you really believe even if we won last night there was going to be a big crowd for Austin peay in November. Would of been the season ticket holders and whatever comp tickets they gave out. No one would spend 45 bucks a pop to watch those. Georgia had name appeal (and brought a lot of people themselves). You replace vandy team and a Georgia team just in name alone with same thing on line and crowd is no where near that large or rowdy.

Yes, I think it would of been larger than it will be now. The thing this program has proven in the past, is the fans will back a winning football team. Not only Austin Peay but beating UGA would of gotten UK a little better bowl than 6-6 instead of Shreveport or Birmingham which I think won't be as well attended. And like I said, next season you would of had momentum to drive season tickets back up.

You're probably right. If it wasn't Georgia and Vandy instead, the crowd isn't as wild but it was and that's why it was such a missed opportunity. That's the entire point.

 

[billoliver40]

been a fan since 75.
This was a hard fought football game against a team with just more of those talented bodies to put out there.
Kids made some costly errors. Coaches made some poor play calls. Same thing happened on the Georgia side.
According to the OP, we should just go ahead and shut the program down.
I disagree. I'd rather have a win any day, but if the kids lay it all out on the field and give it all they have, I can't ask anymore. That's what's been missing somehow the past six years. Good to see it starting to come back.

 

[JC CATS]

I think you're wrong. My reasoning is that UK used to have no trouble selling out 72,000 for a "big game" like last night. We have reduced capacity significantly and now we had to beg borrow and steal to put 60,000 in there last night and the upper corners were still empty. There is a big chunk of the fanbase that seems to be in "prove it" mode and we again failed last night.

I'm not bashing. I freaking love UK football despite the years of heartache that it has provided me. I'm just telling it like i see it.

I think you're wrong. You were bashing!

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

People need to stop moving the goalposts.

A bowl game is what was needed this season, we have that.

Next year we need to win a big game - 7 regular season wins minimum.

If we can be a legit 7-8 win team year in and year out, with an occasional 6-6 along with a great 9 win season, then I would ok, as I think that is UK's ceiling.

Next season is another step. These other teams will not remain down, we must continue to improve.

Tonight is why the loss to Southern Miss was so infuriating. 7 win seasons at UK are not the norm. UK could have had that this year or more. 7-5 gets you a pretty decent bowl. 6-6 does not. It's still a bowl though. Beat UGA last night and USM in the opener and UK is looking at a NYD bowl.