Mark Stoops goes off on refs after controversial call in Kentucky, Ball State game

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops was furious on the sideline after a controversial call went against the Wildcats in their opener against Ball State.

It appeared as though Cardinals receiver Malcolm Gillie fumbled late in the first half of Saturday’s game. However, officials blew the play dead. The whistle cost Kentucky defensive back Jordan Lovett a touchdown. It would have been a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown for Lovett.

Mark Stoops was understandably upset and had some choice words for the officials. You can see the video below:

Angry Mark Stoops! #BBN pic.twitter.com/AkJ3gjgIpB

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) September 2, 2023

The good news for the Wildcats is they were still able to maintain possession. Officials reviewed the play and rewarded Kentucky the ball as it was a clear recovery for the Wildcats.

Kentucky did get a field goal out of the turnover, but it cost the Wildcats four points.

Had the play not been blown dead, it would have been the second fumble recovery for a touchdown for Kentucky on the afternoon. Wildcats senior Jalen Geiger had a 69-yard scoop-and-score for Kentucky earlier Saturday.

It was the first fumble return for a touchdown for Stoops and his Kentucky squad since 2019. Less than a quarter later the Wildcats nearly had another one, before the play was blown dead. Kentucky led Ball State 23-7 at the half.

More on Jalen Geiger scoop-and-score for Kentucky

Kentucky senior Jalen Geiger made a big-time play for the Wildcats in the second quarter of Saturday’s season opener against Ball State.

With the Wildcats leading 10-7, Geiger picked up a fumble and ran it back 69 yards for a touchdown to extend Kentucky’s lead to 17-7.

Alex Afari Jr. forced the fumble, laying a big hit on Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol. You can watch the play below:

pic.twitter.com/1NiGqjwev5

— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) September 2, 2023

The play came at an important time for the Wildcats as Kentucky was leading only 10-7 at the time and Ball State was driving to try and tie or potentially take the lead.

The touchdown for Geiger was a special one after he missed most of last season with an injury.

Last September, Geiger suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game against Florida.

In 2021, Jalen Geiger played in all 13 games for Kentucky and made a pair of starts. He finished with 18 tackles, a tackle for loss, an interception and a touchdown that year.

Geiger appeared in nine games total in 2019 and 2020 — his first two seasons with the Wildcats. He redshirted in 2019.

The Wildcats led Ball State 23-7 at the half.