Coaches in the SEC rarely admit to personal rivalries, or in any other league really. They stick to clichés about respect and focusing on the game. But don't let all that coach speak fool you. The animosity between Kentucky's Mark Stoops and South Carolina's Shane Beamer is real, and it’s about to add another fiery chapter this Saturday night in Columbia.
The feud is a culmination of subtle jabs, perceived slights, and one infamous comment about "stupid sunglasses."
The "climate" change comment
It all started at SEC Media Days in 2022. Kentucky had won seven of the previous eight games against South Carolina. When asked about programs changing their "culture," Stoops made a comment that was widely seen as a direct shot at Beamer.
"It’s easy to change a climate," Stoops said. "You change a uniform, talk a little game, dance around, put on some stupid sunglasses."
Just one day prior, South Carolina had released a hype video featuring Beamer dancing... in sunglasses. Stoops claimed it wasn't about Beamer, but no one believed him. And they shouldn't, it absolutely was.
Beamer's revenge
Shane Beamer says he was asked to be the South Carolina head coach the night that the Gamecocks lost to Kentucky (41-18) in 2020.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) September 8, 2024
They would go on to lose in his first season, but since then they’ve beat UK in 2 of the last 3 with two coming in Lexington.
📹: GamecocksOnline/YT pic.twitter.com/hD48KFoYYk
Since that comment, it has been all Gamecocks. South Carolina has dominated the last three matchups, outscoring Kentucky by a combined 72-34. The rivalry's most iconic moment came after the Gamecocks' 2022 win in Lexington, when Beamer celebrated with his team in the locker room by breaking out a pair of sunglasses and shouting about a "climate check."
Yes, it's personal.
Now, the two coaches meet again under tense circumstances. Beamer's team is on a two-game losing streak, and he is clearly frustrated, calling out his team for penalties and a rushing attack that was held to negative-nine yards last week against Missouri. He is a motivated coach desperate for a win. For Stoops, this is a chance to reclaim control of a series he once owned and quiet the noise from a rival who has had his number. Who will walk away with the win in this must-win game?
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