Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops discusses second half adjustments vs Louisville

The Kentucky Wildcats lead their rivals, the Louisville Cardinals, 13-7 at halftime. Heading into the locker room, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops took some time to speak with the referees before walking off the field. SEC Network’s sideline reporter, Andraya Carter spoke with Stoops before he went into the locker room at the end of the first half.

“Oh, I just had a question about one particular play. It’s all good. I mean, it’s a tough game. We knew it would be,” Stoops said. “I wish we didn’t give up the late touchdown there. Defense was playing really good until that last drive. We’ve gotta keep them out [of the end zone]. They get the ball here to start the second half.”

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The Cardinals inserted their injured dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Malik Cunningham, into the game in the first half and he provided a spark for the Louisville offense right before halftime. Carter asked Stoops how his defense plans to contain him in the second half, if he’s under center for Louisville.

“Well, I mean, we had to prepare for Malik all day. I mean, he’s tough, but all week. He’s tough. He’s a good player. Obviously, you saw him pull it down. He can run. He can throw it. He’s got a lot of experience. So, we’ve just got to play great team defense,” Stoops said.

Cunningham had a touchdown run late in the first half–which tied him with three of Lamar Jackson’s Louisville career records: most rushing touchdowns (50), most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (50)–ACC record, and most touchdowns scored (50).

Mark Stoops discussed how his team pulled out the win

Kentucky ended up winning the game 26-13. Following the game, Stoops discussed how his team was able to create separation to come away with the hard-fought win.

“Well, it was a hard-fought game. We knew it would be. Louisville’s really playing good football and we needed to respond. Just play better. Worry about ourselves. Really proud of our team because it’s been a tough year, but it is for everybody. You know, there’s a lot of ups and downs. And I like the way we responded. I’d like to have a few more wins like most people, but they fought hard here tonight,” Stoops said.