FOUR DOWNS: Takeaways from Stoops' Monday Q&A

In this edition of Cats Illustrated’s “Four Downs” feature, we share our main takeaways from Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops‘ Monday press luncheon reviewing the Week 1 win over Toledo and previewing this week’s SEC opener against Ole Miss…

1. No Panic Button on QB Play

Kentucky’s passing attack in the opener left many fans mortified. New starting quarterback Zach Calzada went 10-of-23 for only 85 yards and an interception in a disappointing debut for the Wildcats, but Stoops said film review left him less concerned than his initial feelings after the game. After scoring a touchdown on their second drive of the game, the Cats ran just six total plays on drives 3, 4, and 5, resulting in a safety, an interception, and a fumble. “Really got us off-track,” Stoops said. That started a span of seven possessions that resulted in only three points, but Stoops said there was no consideration to call on backup quarterback Cutter Boley, a talented redshirt freshman who opened eyes during camp. “We still have a lot of confidence in Zach,” Stoops said. “And we have confidence in Cutter. But it would have been premature to pull the plug right there. I really believe Zach is going to do very well… There are things that we know can get fixed, and he’ll play well.” The UK boss noted there were some downfield shots in which the target could have helped Calzada by making a tough catch.

2. Improvement in the Trenches

The UK coaching staff dropped hints of being extremely pleased with a rebuilt offensive line leading up to Game 1, and the unit delivered in Week 1. The Cats rushed for 220 yards, allowed no sacks, and were not flagged for any penalties up front. “I feel like there’s a lot of elements of that game that I was very pleased with, things that we worked very hard in the offseason,” Stoops said. “We talked about toughness and improving the line of scrimmage, and I definitely felt that Saturday and in watching the film, felt the same way. We definitely improved. Ran the ball for 220 yards and limited them to (59)… We were very effective on short yardage. Again, a point of emphasis from a year ago.” The UK boss added that he was impressed with the all-around performance of the interior linemen — center Jager Burton and guards Jalen Farmer and Josh Braun — and liked the way the entire unit pass-protected. He would like to see a better push from tackles Alex Wollschlaeger and Shiyazh Pete in the ground game.

3. A Challenging SEC Opener

The Cats open league play with a familiar recent opponent in Ole Miss. The Rebels (1-0) opened their season with an impressive 63-7 thrashing of Georgia State in which sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, and the rushing attack went for 295 yards. “A very challenging Ole Miss team,” Stoops said. “Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss and their staff do a great job each and every year. They’re electric on both sides of the ball.” Kentucky’s 20-17 win last year in Oxford was the highlight of an otherwise dreadful season for Cats, who may have ultimately knocked the Rebels out of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Games between UK and Ole Miss have frequently produced exciting finishes. In addition to last year’s thriller, Ole Miss stopped a late red-zone drive by the Cats in 2022 to win 22-19 in Oxford. The Rebels won in their last visit to Lexington, 42-41 in overtime, and defeated UK 37-34 at Kroger Field in 2017 with future NFL star DK Metcalf making the game-winning touchdown catch with five seconds left on the clock.

4. SEC Skid at Kroger Field

Kentucky has lost seven straight league games on its home field and has won just two of its last 12. Fans haven’t seen an SEC win by the Cats in Lexington in almost two calendar years, a 33-14 triumph over Florida on Sept. 30, 2023. Playing in the SEC is tough anywhere, but the challenge of having a successful season becomes immense when a team cannot protect its home field. Stoops acknowledged the recent shortcomings but said it’s not something they can afford to dwell on entering an important matchup with Ole Miss. “Not to diminish any of that, but I don’t even think about any of that. It’s what do we have to do this week? I think we all understand that. The focus is on this week, this game.”