Mark Stoops addresses Mike Leach's accusation against Kentucky

Mississippi State defeated Kentucky 31-17 on Saturday night. But Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach accused Mark Stoops and Kentucky of simulating snap counts during the game. Mississippi State had ten penalties in the game, including six false starts.

“Well, they were simulating our snap count,” Leach said after the game. “Folks can get away with that. We got to start coaching it.”

After the game, reporters asked Stoops about the accusation from Leach. Stoops had a short response, but he was adamant in denying the accusations.

“Uh, no, you’re not allowed to simulate their snap count,” Stoops said of Leach’s accusation.

Ultimately it was Leach that had the last laugh over Stoops. Mississippi State did not score in the first or fourth quarters, but 31 points in the middle two quarters was enough to lead them to victory over Kentucky.

Kentucky turnovers led to the Mississippi State win

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis completed 17 of his 28 pass attempts for 150 yards and a touchdown against Mississippi State. But Levis also threw three interceptions in the game. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. also lost a fumble.

The fumble from Rodriguez was a big swing in the game. Kentucky was trailing by seven points. But the Bulldogs scored a touchdown after recovering the fumble, taking a two touchdown lead. With Kentucky trailing 24-10, Levis threw his third interception of the game. Mississippi State scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession, giving the Bulldogs a 31-10 lead.

Kentucky also allowed Mississippi State to return a punt for a touchdown in the game. Mississippi State gained 438 total yards in the game compared to 216 for Kentucky. The Bulldogs also possessed the ball for more than 41 minutes, a significant advantage over the nearly 19 minutes for the Wildcats.

Kentucky is now 6-2 on the season and 4-2 against SEC opponents. The Wildcats have home games against Tennessee and New Mexico State remaining on the schedule and road trips to Vanderbilt and Louisville.

Mississippi State is 5-3 now with games against Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee State, and Ole Miss remaining.