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Mark Stoops assesses first-half play against Florida

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•09/10/22•

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Michael Hickey | Getty Images

Kentucky will head into the locker room down a field goal after a whacky first half of football. It’s been back and forth between them and Florida, with a crucial SEC East showdown taking place early in the regular season.

Head coach Mark Stoops assessed the play of his team as he was walking off the field, not having too many positive things to say. However, he did compliment the defense for getting a turnover late in the half.

“We’ve got to execute better,” Stoops said. “With all that being said, we’re two snaps away from being tied. That’s the good news. We’re making a lot of mistakes, we’re beating ourselves in certain areas. It’s nice to see the defense step up and get the turnover. We really needed that.”

Kentucky has not been able to get anything rolling in the run game, with their leading rusher having just nine yards. Quarterback Will Levis has been efficient when called upon, completing 10 of 15 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.

Mark Stoops beats Florida, has most wins in Kentucky history

With a win against Florida in the Swamp, Mark Stoops has now won the most games as a head coach in the Kentucky program. For a team who was mostly near the bottom of the SEC, the Wildcats have risen with Stoops at the helm.

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“Fortunate,” Stoop said on the accomplishment. “A lot of great players, coaches have been through here. To be able to persevere through this difficult conference. I have nothing but respect and appreciation.”

Saturday marked win No. 61 for Stoops, coming over a 10-year stretch. His tenure began in 2013 when Kentucky only won two games. By 2018, Stoops had built up a 10-win program and made them serious contenders in the SEC East.

Bryant was in Lexington for eight years and was able to win 11 games during the 1950 season. The Wildcats even won the Sugar Bowl, defeating No. 1 Oklahoma in New Orleans. To this day, it’s the most wins Kentucky has had in a singular season. So at the very least, Stoops still has something to chase.