Mark Stoops has coached in the SEC for a long time. He has faced Heisman winners, future NFL stars, and national champions.
But the way he talks about Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia? That is a different kind of respect.
As Kentucky prepares to travel to Nashville to face a surprisingly dangerous Vanderbilt team, Stoops was asked the million-dollar question: How do you prepare for the chaos that Pavia creates?
His answer was equal parts hilarious and terrifying.
"The things that Diego does," Stoops said, shaking his head. "That’s between him and God." Some people are blessed with that ability to do things few others can do.
'Tough as nails'
Pavia has become the villain (or hero if you are a Vandy fan) of the SEC these last 2 years, toppling Alabama and giving everyone fits with his unorthodox, relentless style. Stoops knows exactly what is coming.
"He is one heck of a ballplayer, is tough as nails, and makes plays when he has to," Stoops said.
The Kentucky head coach emphasized that you can't just "scheme" for a guy like Pavia because he thrives when the scheme breaks down.
"It puts great pressure on the defense, and it doesn’t matter what defense it is," Stoops explained. "It’s impossible to totally just think you’re going to just completely contain him."
The key becomes making it so those plays are limited and not back breakers on 3rd down.
Vandy is not a joke anymore
The underlying message of Stoops' presser was clear: Erase the "Same Old Vandy" narrative from your brain.
Stoops praised the job Clark Lea has done, noting that this Commodore team is "very physical" and "plays the game the right way."
"They’re throwing it much more effectively this year than they ever have," Stoops warned. "They’re very good."
If the Cats want to leave Nashville with a win, they aren't just fighting a football team; they're fighting a quarterback who, according to Stoops, is operating on a whole new level of playmaking.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion