3 things we learned from the Mark Stoops Show
The Mark Stoops Show returned to the airwaves Monday night and once again the Kentucky head coach was speaking to a mourning Big Blue Nation. Another loss to Tennessee has the Cats in the middle of a three-game losing streak. Mark Stoops tried to put the fans at ease and instill confidence that Kentucky will quickly bounce back this Saturday at Mississippi State.
Kentucky Focused on Process over Results
“I really like where the team’s at,” Stoops opened the show, “that’s the good part about it for me.”
For weeks the passing game looked putrid on Saturdays. That wasn’t always the case at practice. Stoops used Dane Key as an example of a player who put in the work day after day after day. The results did not happen overnight, but eventually the process produced the first 100-yard game of the young wide receiver’s career.
“We’ve been talking a lot about that, along with just being focused on what we have to do in practice and carrying that over to the game. You did see that happen and they’ve been more selfless and doing things for each other. They enjoy playing with each other,” said Stoops.
“I like this team. They’re working hard and they see it carrying over. They’re frustrated and upset and want to win. Coaches are the same. But it’s still fun to go to work every day and prep. I mean, it’s a challenge.”
The Wildcats are embracing that challenge to get over the hump and be the team we thought they could be in the preseason.
Wildcats who could return for one more year
The final caller into the show asked Stoops which impact players on the offense, particularly on the Big Blue Wall, could return for another year in 2024. The Kentucky head coach named three players who will have a decision to make: Marques Cox, Eli Cox and Ray Davis.
Stoops said Devin Leary does not have another year of eligibility. The quarterback transfer from NC State has used his redshirt season and a COVID-19 super senior season, but there may be one more loophole if he wants to try to spend another year with Liam Coen. Leary only played in four games in 2020 before suffering a season-ending injury. That might be few enough games to apply for a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA, but it’s safe to say Kentucky is preparing for this to be the only season Leary is in Lexington.
Reminiscing on Mike Leach
Mike Leach passed away suddenly shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 regular season. The Mississippi State head coach was a character that Mark Stoops knew for a long time. He credits the Pirate for helping his brother Bob get his break as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator in 1999. Stoops always enjoyed his conversations with Mike Leach, well, kind of.
“One thing about him, when he called you, you always see that and you’re like, ‘Oh no. This is gonna be fun, but it’s gonna be an hour,'” Stoops laughed.
The last time the two spent extensive time together was at the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin. Following a group dinner with all of the SEC coaches and administrators, Stoops ran into Leach in the hotel lobby.
“He’s just a beauty, let’s put it that way,” said Stoops. “We proceeded to tell stories and have a few cocktails and maybe FaceTime my brother Bob, who was maybe in Europe. Bob was texting me like, ‘What are you doing here? I’m in Europe.’ He didn’t have an hour to talk to Mike and I.”
RIP Mike Leach, and always remember to swing your sword.
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