For all of Mark Stoops' success, there is one statistic that has persistently plagued his tenure: his team's performance after a bye week. The numbers are out there, and Stoops isn't hiding from them, how could he? Under his leadership, the Wildcats are just 6-10 after a week off, including a 5-9 record against SEC opponents. Yikes.
It's a trend that has frustrated fans and coaches alike, often halting momentum at critical points in the season. Now, heading into the bye week before a crucial road trip to South Carolina, Stoops is actively seeking new solutions to an old problem.
Seeking new solutions
Speaking on the weekly SEC teleconference, Stoops was candid about his efforts to change his approach and break the pattern.
“I’ve really tried to talk to quite a few of my colleagues and talk to friends around the country, and just get different ideas for the bye week,” Stoops said. “I’ve been here 13 years, and just don’t want to stay stagnant. We want to try to get better and are looking at a lot of different options.”
This year, the solution appears to be more work. After an inconsistent 2-1 start where both the offense and defense have struggled at times, Stoops seems to be leaning away from rest and more towards refinement.
"The bottom line for us this week is we’re going to push hard and do a lot of work because we need it," he stated.
This suggests practices will be more akin to a typical game week, with a focus on fundamentals and cleaning up the mistakes that have plagued the team. But also a heavy dose of hitting and game practicing. While a more intense week carries a higher risk of injury, it may be exactly what the Wildcats need to correct their issues. The trip to Columbia will be the first test of this revamped bye week philosophy. Will it matter?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion