While thanking fans for a 'great' atmosphere, Stoops points to 'six inches' and correctable errors as the difference between winning and losing
In the face of mounting fan frustration, Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops delivered a message on Monday that was equal parts accountability, appreciation, and defiant optimism. He acknowledged the maddening mistakes that have plagued his team but insisted that the Wildcats are closer to success than the record may indicate.
First, Stoops thanked the fanbase for their passion during the Ole Miss game. “The environment was great Saturday. I loved the atmosphere and appreciate the fans and the support,” he said. “It really was fun for the vast majority of that game. I wish we could’ve finished it off.” This has been a repeat of many games for Mark Stoops recently, who has seen 9 straight power 5 losses at home. You can't expect them to keep showing up and leaving early with losses.
Finishing games has been the issue, and Stoops pointed to a series of self-inflicted wounds and razor-thin margins as the culprit. He repeatedly lamented an explosive pass play that was called back for an illegal formation penalty.
“We’re six inches from an explosive that got called back and you can’t do that,” Stoops said, clearly exasperated. He added that the same margin cost them at the end of the first half, saying, “we were six inches away from being perfect.” That in itself is part of the problem. Stoops coaches so conservative and shortens the games, that they have to play perfect. They have to hit every pass, make every tackle, and do everything just right. Because the margins are so razor thin.
He also admitted to operational issues, calling a timeout “inexcusable” and acknowledging struggles in the red zone. Yet, through all the frustration, his core message remained firm.
“We are a better football team,” Stoops stated. “This team is working hard and playing very tough… I think Ole Miss has a really good chance to make the playoffs and the way we played them Saturday… we know we can compete with anybody.” We have heard that before, it's year 13, these mistakes should not be happening.
The message to Big Blue Nation is clear: Stoops knows the mistakes are costing them, but he believes the issues are correctable. He’s asking for patience with a team he feels is just a few inches, and a few less mistakes, away from being very good. But that is always the case with Mark Stoops, a day later and a dollar short.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Micah 7:7. #UpTheAlbion