Mark Stoops fights back emotion: “You’re trying to get me to cry”

Mark Stoops does not usually get sentimental on live television, but Saturday night was different. After Kentucky gutted out a 10–3 win at Auburn to earn its first SEC victory of the season, Stoops’ usual postgame tone gave way to a sigh of relief, gratitude, and a rare glimpse of emotion.

“Just a team effort,” Stoops told SEC Network’s sideline reporter, Alyssa Lang, after the final whistle. “So happy, so proud. We have been getting better. We have been up and down, like a lot of people. It is tough. I am just grateful for this team and these players. They hung in there, they believe, they don’t flinch. I love them.”

It was the kind of game that fits Stoops’ identity as a coach. Kentucky’s defense carried the night with seven sacks and held Auburn to only three points after giving up 56 a week ago against Tennessee. Stoops said the group responded exactly how he hoped.

“Really proud of our defense,” Stoops said. “We didn’t have our best effort a week ago, and we bounced back. That’s the pride we are looking for. We knew how good their defense was as well. Proud of Cutter (Boley) and this offense for hanging in there and making just enough plays.”

When asked what the win meant to him personally, Stoops smiled and tried to hold back.

“It means an awful lot,” he said. “It’s one victory, but we’ve been through a lot, and it has been a long time, let’s be honest. So it means a lot. It’s emotional.”

Then he laughed and added, “You are trying to get me to cry.”

Mark Stoops postgame interview pic.twitter.com/0Cox5WbNfY

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) November 2, 2025

The gritty win brought out the emotion of a coach who has faced the most criticism of his career lately.

Stoops and players celebrate at Auburn

Cat's Win! Mark Stoops is overwhelmed. pic.twitter.com/3fYJ6SKJDG

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) November 2, 2025

Kentucky beats Auburn!! pic.twitter.com/bIcKMNNUJu

— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) November 2, 2025