Clark Lea Says Kentucky's Mark Stoops Has 'Modeled What Building a Program Looks Like' in the SEC

It’s been an up-and-down season for Mark Stoops at Kentucky, and Saturday’s game was certainly one of those lower points. However, despite UK’s 45-17 loss to Vanderbilt, Stoops earned high praise from Vandy’s head coach, Clark Lea.

During Saturday’s postgame press conference, Lea took time to give his props to Stoops. After three straight wins for Kentucky, the Cats entered the game with some high expectations.

“Now, this was a really hot team, Kentucky. I’ve got a ton of respect for them, a ton of respect for Mark Stoops and the program he’s built. I’ve said this before. I think in so many ways, he’s modeled what building a program looks like in this conference. They’ve really found a rhythm here as the season has worn on.”

As for Stoops himself, he still has confidence in his team despite the loss. With Louisville coming next, he didn’t waver.

“They’ve given me no reason that they wouldn’t respond the right way. It’s not a good feeling,” Stoops said. “It’s never going to be okay for us, but it’s one game, and you know, we have to move on quick and be ready to lay it on the line here this week.”

Vanderbilt Ends the Hot Streak

Kentucky had some impressive games leading up to Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt, with wins over Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee Tech. Whatever you may think about the Florida and Tennessee Tech programs, winning two games by a combined 80-17 is something nearly any coach in the country will take.

Then, it came crashing down on Saturday. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia carved up the Kentucky defense with a single-game Vanderbilt passing record of 484 yards. He completed 33-of-39 passes with five passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and an interception. There wasn’t anything Pavia couldn’t do.

Touchdown Commodores!!! pic.twitter.com/NSj30DpmGu

— #14 Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) November 22, 2025

It wasn’t an awful night for Cutter Boley by any means, but he couldn’t compare. His 26-for-44 passing, 280 yards, and two touchdowns look good on the stat sheet. However, the rushing game wasn’t quite there, with the Cats totaling only 31 yards on the ground.