WATCH: Mark Stoops Previews Matchup with Texas

Kentucky has lost eight straight SEC games. They’ll try to break that losing streak against a team that was No. 1 in the Preseason AP Poll.

Texas doesn’t look as dominant as many suspected. Nobody knocked them too much for falling in the opener at Ohio State. When Arch Manning continued to struggle, it raised questions. Those criticisms grew louder after a loss at Florida. Longhorn fans finally got a win worth celebrating when they beat Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.

Even though the final scores may create different narratives, Mark Stoops sees a great opponent on tape.

“Texas is Texas,” the Kentucky head coach said on Monday.

“They’re very, very good in every level; good on offense, defense, special teams. They had a couple of tough games this year, like most of us have, and they responded with a very big win in a big rivalry this past week. So they’re playing very well, and it’ll be another great challenge for us.”

The greatest challenge will be for the Kentucky offense. Bush Hamdan has played multiple quarterbacks this year for an offense that averages 16.7 points against SEC foes. They’ll run right into the teeth of a Texas defense that ranks third in scoring (11.0 ppg.) and fourth in rushing (74.33 ypg).

“They’re big and physical. I think also you see examples of them being very good tacklers in space,” said Stoops. “Last week at this press conference, we were talking about that, about how some of the playmakers that you’re going to face in the SEC. You see them really showing up in their secondary and the second level, making plays in space very well, along with being big and physical.”

As much as the Kentucky offense has struggled, the defense hasn’t been much better. Missed tackles are turning into big plays, and that’s one thing Manning has done well for the Horns this fall.

“Arch is a very, very good football player that’s getting better. Each and every game, he’s getting more comfortable,” said Stoops. “He’s a guy that just really will wow you with certain plays.”

Hopefully, Big Blue Nation doesn’t get too wowed on Saturday night when Texas plays in its first game in Lexington. Kickoff is at 7 PM ET on ESPN.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.