Winning is Fun: Energy has been Injected into Kentucky Football Practice

Mark Stoops is a master of Coach-Speak. Whenever given an opportunity, the Kentucky head coach will remind you that performance is predicated on preparation. It’s a lot easier to get “back to work” after a win.

The Wildcats had a few notches in the win column belt, but had not secured an SEC victory in more than a year. That changed on Saturday when Kentucky won a 10-3 slobber-knocker at Auburn. For weeks, Stoops said this Kentucky team was improving and had not quit. It finally materialized in a victory.

“First, I would like to say I’m very proud of all the players, because even though the season hasn’t gone the way we wanted to, I’m just proud that no one quit,” defensive lineman David Gusta said after Tuesday’s practice. “It really showed last week. We came together as a team.”

After each loss, the Wildcats returned to the practice field, put on their pads, and went back to work. It’s not easy work, but it’s a lot easier after an SEC road win.

“This week has been great, I’m not gonna lie,” Gusta said with a chuckle. “Like this week, practicing has been much more fun. It’s just been great practicing with everybody, and just the energy of the group in there. It’s definitely a lot better than the last few weeks.”

This Kentucky football team has momentum. You can feel it in the locker room. Now it’s time to build on that with a rewarding win at Kroger Field over a hated foe.

“It’d be great for the fans and just for everything, as a team and just the morale, just everything.” Added Gusta, “Let’s bring it home.”

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Florida QB DJ Lagway is “The Complete Package”

To get that coveted SEC home win, something that has not happened since September of 2023, Kentucky must contain DJ Lagway. A year ago, he lit up the Wildcats for 259 yards on only seven completions in what became the true freshman’s coming-out party. The Florida quarterback will test the Kentucky defense in ways they have not been tested this season.

“We’ve seen bits and pieces of him, probably in different quarterbacks, but not one that we’ve played has been the same… He can throw from different arm angles, and then he can run,” said defensive coordinator Brad White.

“He runs way better than probably most people give him credit for. He had some big runs against us — that first play of the game, then a third short when he pulled it — had some big runs against Georgia last week. He’s the complete package in terms of what he can do damage-wise.”

Kentucky must be able to consistently pressure Lagway, but even then, the Wildcats aren’t out of the danger zone against this explosive Florida playmaker.