Stoops on Waller’s Setback, McGowan's Status, and Nichols' Rise

For the first time in a long time, it felt like a normal Monday press conference. We talked ball with Mark Stoops. The Kentucky head football coach was direct in his responses and did not shy away from criticism. It was refreshing.

Throughout the course of the 20+ minute conversation, Stoops shared a few injury updates, and singled out a few individuals for exceptional performances.

Bad News for Kentucky CB DJ Waller

DJ Waller suffered a hamstring injury during the season opener against Toledo. There probably isn’t a worse injury to deal with from a rehab standpoint. It may feel good after a few weeks, but the smallest overstep can remove all of that progress in an instant. Unfortunately, that seems to have happened to Waller when he re-aggravated the injury during pregame warm-ups on Saturday.

“DJ is very disappointed. He has worked his tail off. He’s a guy that I had to hold all the way back; before the bye, was trying like heck to play. He’s going through it now, but with hamstrings, I’ve said it before, you think you’re ready to go, and then it’s just unfortunate,” said Stoops.

“Out there Friday, he was so excited. I don’t know if he’s running around too much on a Friday. But we did an MRI, and there’s definitely a spot. It’s a setback. We’ll see whether it’s in the scar tissue or whether it’s new and try to get them back as soon as possible. But I know he’s chomping at the bit.”

Hopefully, it’s just the scar tissue and not a new injury. Either way, it’s probably wise not to expect the cornerback anytime soon, if it all this fall.

Nichols Played Outstanding in his Absence

Without Waller, Terhyon Nichols has started in every game at cornerback, and this might be his best to date. He had four tackles, .5 TFLs, a pass breakup, and a QB hurry. Leverage in the open field had been an issue for this Kentucky defense, and that was not the case against Texas.

“Terhyon played a very good game, one of his best games against elite competition. He’s getting more confident, and just played a very good game. We needed him to,” said Stoops.

“He was much better on the perimeter, and all those things we’ve been talking about in here. I’m very proud of the effort of Terhyon. He’s a great young man, great leader. Plays with a lot of confidence. He really cares about his team, so he’s terrific. Can’t say enough good things about him.”

Seth McGowan is Expected to Play vs. Tennessee

Seth McGowan was, once again, arguably the best skill player for the offense on Saturday, and it wasn’t because of his running ability. Texas limited No. 3 to only 45 yards rushing, but he caught a team-high seven passes for 68 yards, including an impressive catch and run on the final drive that helped the Cats get into field goal range.

McGowan did it while missing a good chunk of the game in the third quarter due to a shoulder injury. Even though he returned, Kentucky chose to take it easy on his shoulder near the goal line, putting the ball in their big back’s hands for the final two plays.

“He is a tough young man, and he really wants to play. The fact that he was at the hospital, came back and finished, says a lot about him, as I mentioned, post-game. He’s banged up, but we expect him back.”