Finally! National analyst puts Mark Stoops exactly where BBN believes he belongs

Big Blue Nation, you can finally exhale. For weeks, maybe months, or even years, you've screamed into the void, pointed at the mounting losses, the baffling decisions, the sheer stagnation – and wondered why the national media seemed oblivious. How could Mark Stoops, presiding over a historic home losing streak and a program trending sharply downward, not be considered for the top spot on the hot seat?

Well, rejoice. One of college football's most respected analysts finally sees what you see.

Vindication arrives via hot seat rankings

On Wednesday, Andy Staples released his updated coaching hot seat rankings, and sitting right at the top, basking in the uncomfortable glow of national scrutiny, was none other than Mark Stoops.

For Kentucky fans who have endured ten straight SEC home losses, watched conservative playcalling snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and questioned basic clock management, this isn't news, it's validation. It's confirmation that the struggles aren't just a local issue; they're a nationally recognized problem for a coach earning $9 million a year.

High stakes and familiar company

Ironically, the coach ranked just behind Stoops on Staples' list is Hugh Freeze, whose Auburn Tigers host Kentucky this Saturday night in what we have dubbed the "Winner Has to Keep Their Coach Bowl." The pressure is immense on both sidelines.

Joining Stoops and Freeze in Staples' top tier of coaches feeling the heat were Mike Norvell (FSU), Jonathan Smith (Michigan State), Dave Doeren (NC State), Bill Belichick (UNC), Dave Aranda (Baylor), Mike Locksley (Maryland), Luke Fickell (Wisconsin), and Brent Venables (Oklahoma) in that order.

Does national pressure change anything?

For BBN, seeing Stoops finally listed prominently atop a national hot seat ranking provides a small measure of catharsis. It confirms that the embarrassing inability to line up correctly, the questionable game management, and the overall regression aren't just figments of fan imagination.

Whether this national pressure translates into actual change in Lexington remains to be seen. Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart has remained steadfast in his public support of Stoops. But as the losses mount and the national narrative shifts, the heat undeniably intensifies. For now, Kentucky fans can at least take solace in knowing they aren't screaming alone anymore. The rest of the country is finally starting to listen.

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