Will You Be Disappointed if Stoops Gets Us To a Bowl Game?

[Random UK Fan]

Who would be disappointed in that, right? Well, I heard somebody say the other day that they are/were "hoping to get some new blood in here, and if Stoops gets us to a bowl game that probably means he stays".

This guy wanted an entirely-new coaching staff and potential at being better perennially.

*Edit - I just saw the "Fire Stoops" thread by MKGMVP. Sorry for the redundancy.

 

[allabouttheUK]

That would be ignorant and counter-productive to what people say they want. If a coach wins and we go bowling it shouldn't be about the coach, but about the program. So, no, I wouldn't be disappointed with a bowl.

 

[UKCatNnc]

It's not about the coach for me. Its about the school, the players and winning football games. Go Cats!!

 

[richbrookstomato]

Although I have been critical of Coach Stoops, I want him to succeed here!!

Our program needs STABILITY!! Coach Stoops has improved dramatically through the course of this season.

Winning these next 3 games could change the perception of UK Football for years to come. I am rooting HARD for Coach Stoops and our team to not only "go to a bowl", but win the SEC EAST!!!!

A Missouri win all but guarantees a bowl. How could ANY UK fan pull AGAINST our coach?!!!!!!

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

No way. Would be awesome. I would gladly eat my crow and watch the game.

 

[BluffaloSlim]

I was among Stoops biggest detractors the first few weeks.. now here we are one win (not AP) away from a bowl and getting to a bowl was the goal before the season started.

To answer your question. I will be happy for Stoops and our program if we can get to the bowl.

I expect a win this Saturday.
We could be looking at a UK v UGA matchup with us the top seed in the east. My how things have changed in a month

Stability is crucial. Stoops longevity is good for U.K.
Especially since we return so many starters for next year.

 

[K_TIME]

Geez...is this a serious question?

1. UK needs to win and get to a bowl..it's a baby step for this program,
2. UK needs to win and hold onto a solid recruiting class we have right now (4* QB, 4*WR, 2 really good looking DT prospects and another nice DE kid...not to mention maybe the fastest player the day he steps on campus in Koback to play RB).
3. I still doubt UK can/will eat 12 million bucks (not counting assistant coaches as ell)
4. It isn't like we have a line of potential suitors to accept the UK job. Most likely we'd end up with a risky hire again if we can Stoops.

To me, we need to sit back and let Stoops do what he can do thru next year. That will be his 5th year, he'll only lose 3 starters (Toth, Miggins and McClain...maybe Boom) and his prize recruiting class in 2014 will be Srs/Rs Jrs.

 

[Jdhays21]

The whole point in hiring Stoops was to bring in a younger guy that can recruit and get us to a bowl game. If he accomplishes both of those things why in the world would you want to fire him?

 

[dyersburgcatfan]

Stoops has had a lot to overcome since he arrived: low talent level to start with, recruiting wars, which he has won his fair share, early team dissent among players and coaches, lack of consistent QB, toughness of playing an SEC schedule, his own inexperience as a HC, plus constant listening to a fan base that is upset. So yes, I will be very happy if we get to a bowl. I'm still not convinced we will, but if we do things begin to look better for the future. If this staff continues to recruit and we get good QB play, next year could be special. In fact, if we win the next 3 games this year could be special. I see Stoops developing along with the program. If we get any bowl at all this year, I think there could be a brighter future, but we have to get it this year.

 

[NCukcat62]

That's beyond pathetic. Uk needs to go to a bowl game and win one this year period. If we go I really don't get how any true fan would be pissed. If you were expecting 9 wins by year four then you're dumb.

 

[DACats86]

There's a lot of stupid in the UK "fan" base. A lot...

 

[rick64]

Me personally, NO WAY am I disappointed!!!! GO CATS!!!!!

But unfortunately there are a select few fans out there that are hoping Stoops falls on his face the rest of the way so MB will have no choice but to fire him.

 

[jc2010]

I am not a Stoops fan and I have been very critical, but, I would be very pleased if he got UK to a bowl, we are stuck with him so I hope he succeeds. The SEC East is down and several new coaches are trying to turn some teams around so it is the perfect time for a coach at UK to succeed. Opportunities like this don't come around often so I'm hoping we can capitalize on it.

 

[Your worst nightmare]

Now the REAL question is what if UK loses to Mizzou and only gets one more win and ends up 5-7 yet again. Stoops would have 3 SEC wins and that with lots of injury issues this year. Will the fans fall in behind him or will some still want him booted?

 

[UKGrad93]

I hope Stoops can coach UK to a bowl game. IMO, his coaching and the team have improved this year.

If we go 5-7, then I think he stays as coach going into next season, but I he should be sweating his job if that's the case. Either way, he needs to continue to improve.

 

[EliteBlue]

Not disappointed at all. But I don't think it lets him off the hook. I'd be interested to see how he follows it up the following year. We win 5 in year 5 and I still consider moving on if MB is open to pursuing Leach or Briles. With Kiffen, Brown, Brohm as the maybe consider moving on group.

What can absolutely not happen is if we were to take advantage of the weak east beating our next 2 and possibly winning the east and MB decided to buy into unproven fools gold and extends the contract again. Throw in results based incentives but not another extension until it's proven it's a real step forward in the SEC structure and not a flash in the pan due.

With that said, I will be pulling for Stoops to sustain success the next 2 years as well. But people can't discredit others hesitation when they feel like Stoops ceiling in 6-7 wins coupled with the coaches that are potential replacements

 

[lex cath]

I don't care if we play in the Pike Co Bowl :americanflag: Come on Cole Bentley flip that scholly to the BBN [banana]

 

[CB3UK]

Stoops has shown some head scratchers out there, but he has also had us damn close in ALOT of SEC losses. Does simply being close make me happy? No. But it says to me he may just be knocking on the door and once we get over that hump, look out. However his loss to Southern Miss, how he lost to Florida and Louisville, taking EKU to OT....not excusable or acceptable. The jury is still out for me, we seem to be making progress and winning the games we should win. Walk before you run and all that. I was definitely a vocal critic but the bottom line is he's quit being stubborn and fixed some of what needs to be fixed. We're winning and that's what matters. Win enough and then we can complain about how we won. For now just win baby.

 

[TBCat]

Now the REAL question is what if UK loses to Mizzou and only gets one more win and ends up 5-7 yet again. Stoops would have 3 SEC wins and that with lots of injury issues this year. Will the fans fall in behind him or will some still want him booted?

I think that question needs to be asked of the Stoops supporters as well. They are now spamming the site with silly "will you be mad if stoops wins" threads. Well what if he doesn't? Will they own up to it and advocate a change. Personally I am a UK fan not a Mark Stoops fan. I want to win and go to bowls. I don't care if it is with Stoops or not. Bottom line is excuses are over we need to win.

 

[Mikey Likes It]

No. You have to be a real jackass to get disappointed when a team that hasn't been to a bowl game in five years gets to go just because you don't like the head man in charge.

 

[megablue]

No. Of course, not.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

I will be disappointed if CMS n crew cannot carry on the momentum (should things continue to trend upward) into next season.

What would be disappointing is messing with the mojo this off season.

Right now we are looking at heading into an off season with 4 things that we haven't had in a while. Stability, an identity, momentum, and a QB that everyone has confidence in cause he earned it.

Not naming SJ the starter early on in the spring, not giving him the lion's share of the reps and an opportunity to further build chemistry and confidence with the offense the way it is currently constructed would be a tragedy.

 

[ukgrad83]

Not at all. And it's looking like a very real possibility. I want this program to succeed and compete for SEC titles. Having said that, I will admit that I don't think MS has shown the ability to do the latter. I hope he proves me wrong. I want him to break the UF streak and destroy UL every year.

 

[Fadhi]

It would not make sense to be upset. If Stoops was a seasoned head coach then I could see how people would maybe want him out of here... all the ups and downs. We got him as a first time HC though. He is learning on the job, in the SEC, and is trying hard to get this programs head above water.
Going to a bowl game at 6-6 is not beneath this program right now and would be a great step forward for Kentucky/Stoops.

 

[Hjack]

Who would be disappointed in that, right? Well, I heard somebody say the other day that they are/were "hoping to get some new blood in here, and if Stoops gets us to a bowl game that probably means he stays".

This guy wanted an entirely-new coaching staff and potential at being better perennially.

*Edit - I just saw the "Fire Stoops" thread by MKGMVP. Sorry for the redundancy.

Kind of scary, but I've heard the same thing, and unfortunately, noticed a similar attitude by some of our posters.

 

[Tannerdad]

Have not been a huge believer in the guy but nothing would make me happier than for him to get it done. As long as we don't "settle" for 6-6 seasons and constantly improve, then he can stay forever for all I care.

 

[The_Oak]

I would be ecstatic if we made it to a bowl game, we REALLY need those extra weeks of practice time you get with being in a bowl.

 

[Randy Bob]

If Stoops does not get to a bowl this yr, he should be on the hot seat, a coach making millions of dollars should be getting this team to a bowl every yr, all you have to do is look across the state..

 

[JHB4UK]

plenty on here want UK to lose, thinking Stoops will be fired, and foolishly thinking that UK will then hire their idea of a 'home run' guy.....but haven't the nuts to come right out & admit it

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

6 wins and a bowl this season and I'm happy....

Why?

Because that IS progress and I know next season we will be even better with a lot of growing, young talent.

 

[sambowieshin_rivals]

Stoops is definitely showing a steep learning curve in his time at UK. He did not come in ready to coach a P5 SEC school on day one and it has shown. That said, he displays a lot of qualities that I want to see in a UK head coach as well as the ability to get SEC talent here. I think we can all relate to "learning on the job" with our first "real" job and I think that is what we are witnessing. I have been critical of him at times but he deserves another year to show what he has learned and what he can do IMO.

 

[mtn cat1]

Who would be disappointed in that, right? Well, I heard somebody say the other day that they are/were "hoping to get some new blood in here, and if Stoops gets us to a bowl game that probably means he stays".

This guy wanted an entirely-new coaching staff and potential at being better perennially.

*Edit - I just saw the "Fire Stoops" thread by MKGMVP. Sorry for the redundancy.

It would be totally illogical for anyone to be dissatisfied with a bowl game for this team and this coaching staff! I have attempted to be constructively critical of Coach in the past, most recently regarding recurring issues with clock management at the end of a half or the end of games!

I expressed my opine that this has has been an area of concern for the last three years! I also opined that he needed to exhibit HC improvement in this area by designating Coach Gran the responsibility of oversight for now&for the future!!!

I do not think that this is destructive criticism (Toxic), or deliberate anti-Stoops commentary! I'm simply stating that this is one area in which I see a need for improvement! Witness the improvement and overall Team demeanor since Coach took control of the defense!!! This certainly illustrates HC responsibility & visible growth!!!!

SUNNATION: NO, I CERTAINLY WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH A BOWL GAME!!!!! SHOULD THEY BE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO WIN 3 or 4 OF THE NEXT 5 GAMES, I WILL NOT BE A FAN THAT DESIRES TO REFER BACK TO THE OPENING LOSS TO SMU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mtn cat1]

Stoops is definitely showing a steep learning curve in his time at UK. He did not come in ready to coach a P5 SEC school on day one and it has shown. That said, he displays a lot of qualities that I want to see in a UK head coach as well as the ability to get SEC talent here. I think we can all relate to "learning on the job" with our first "real" job and I think that is what we are witnessing. I have been critical of him at times but he deserves another year to show what he has learned and what he can do IMO.

Cudo's to you, you were apparently offering this reply at the same time as I was citing mine!

 

[stuway]

I too have been critical, but of course would love to go to a bowl game. Of we win the next 3 I think he absolutely deserves another year. If we only win 1 more, then it needs to be discussed about him leaving.

I like others don't care who our coach is in football. I just want to win 6-8 games consistanly and compete. Throw in a 9 or 10 win year occasionally, that's what I want to see. If we get there for a while and buy the coach some credibility, then an occasional bad season is acceptable. I just want our football program on par with a respectable power 5 team most years. We get to play 3 cupcakes every year, a few SEC teams are down some years, and then you have some games against very good teams. Beat the cupcakes, beat 2 or 3 of the down programs and spring an upset or 2 yearly. Thats the mix I want to see for the program. I hope Stoops does take us there, I'm just not sold he can.

 

[DACats86]

If Stoops does not get to a bowl this yr, he should be on the hot seat, a coach making millions of dollars should be getting this team to a bowl every yr, all you have to do is look across the state..

No, I'm a UK fan. I really don't care what happens "across the state." But, it seems that a great many UK fans have Petrino-envy, including you. Stoops, with all his flaws, is learning and adapting. I like what 'm seeing and I don't give a **** what the Cardinals are doing.

 

[Mr Schwump]

No, I'm a UK fan. I really don't care what happens "across the state." But, it seems that a great many UK fans have Petrino-envy, including you. Stoops, with all his flaws, is learning and adapting. I like what 'm seeing and I don't give a **** what the Cardinals are doing.

Preach it brother!

 

[JC CATS]

Me personally, NO WAY am I disappointed!!!! GO CATS!!!!!

But unfortunately there are a select few fans out there that are hoping Stoops falls on his face the rest of the way so MB will have no choice but to fire him.

I agree, I want to go bowling, that Andre dude will only post negative posts. We only lose a handful of starters next season

 

[zannmann]

I wont be disappointed, but going bowling isn't the measuring stick it used to be. You now have 12 games to win 6 and over half the teams that play get to a bowl. Going to bowl isn't that big of a deal. Going to a good bowl should be the measuring stick, but Barney will squeal like a school girl over going to the toilet bowl.

 

[gobgblu37]

Stoops has made two crucial decisions since last year that have made a world of difference in this year's team. Hiring Eddie Gran and taking over the defense play calling. If they can get Johnson to find a way to hang on to the ball we will go to a bowl game this year and next year complete for the SEC E title!!!

 

[BlueVelvetFog]