History will not let Kentucky overlook Youngstown State

You’ve read this post before. It happens every year the Wildcats play a Group of Five or FCS team. You hear the quotes from players and coaches. “This is a good team.” “We gotta bring our A-game.” “This is like any other game week.” Blah Blah Blah.

When Kentucky hosts Youngstown State this Saturday, they actually mean it, for multiple reasons.

The Stoops Youngstown Factor

Bettors have been spurned far too many times by riding high on the Wildcats in situations like this. Mark Stoops has never lost to an FCS opponent, but he’s 3-5-1 against the spread. None of those FCS teams were from Mark Stoops’ hometown.

Nobody will say it out loud, but the guys in the locker room know this game does mean more to the head coach. His entire family, including his mother, will be in the stands to watch the Wildcats take on the team from his hometown as the BBN celebrates the milestone he surpassed against Florida. He’s a players’ first coach. He always has their back. Now it’s their turn to return the favor by coming ready to play.

Experience on the Opposite Side

Before Frank Buffano joined Mark Stoops’ inaugural coaching staff as the Director of Football Operations, he was an assistant coach at Youngstown State with Eric Wolford for three seasons. The Kentucky safeties coach knows what it’s like to be a part of an upset-savvy FCS team on the road against a Power Five opponent.

“We did that in 2012. We traveled to Pitt and we beat Pitt. It was the first Power Five win for Youngstown State when we did that,” Buffano said.

It was the first game of the Paul Chrsyt era (now the Wisconsin head coach) at Pitt. The Panthers turned it over twice in the season-opener and the Penguins were ready to capitalize, ultimately winning 31-17 at Heinz Field.

“Going into those atmospheres there’s a little bit of nerves there and there’s a little bit to prove too,” said Buffano. “They’re working their butts off this week to come in here and win a game. That’s the way we approached it, some things fell our way… and once you get past the kickoff, things slow down.”

Familiar Faces and Talented Youngstown Players

It’s only been two years since Bryce Oliver was facing off against the Kentucky defense in practice. They know how good this guy can be when the ball goes up in the air. Now on the opposing sideline, he’s performed well for the Penguins. In his first FCS season 8 of his 24 receptions were touchdowns and through two games this season he has 10 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Additionally, Youngstown State is bringing a talented running back to Kroger Field, one of the best the Wildcats will face this fall. Jaleel McLaughlin is underside at only 5’9,” 195 pounds, but he packs a punch with every carry, tallying 332 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.

“That running back is extremely talented. He’s as good of a running back as we’ll see all year,” said defensive coordinator Brad White. “People don’t realize how talented he is, how explosive he can get. He runs strong. He’s a little bit smaller in stature, but he can absolutely fly and he’s hard to tackle. Very rarely is just one guy bringing him down.”