Mark Stoops thanks Kentucky fans, wants to deliver against Mississippi State

Kentucky has had a deflating last two weeks after their 4-0 start to the season. Losing to Ole Miss was considered frustrating in its own way, but the Wildcat’s loss to South Carolina this weekend really let the air out of the balloon. They’re in desperate need of a bounceback this weekend against Mississippi State and, to do that, Mark Stoops knows they’ll have to lean on the fanbase to help them.

Stoops spoke about the environment from last weekend and the year in general during his Monday press conference. He said it was such a great atmosphere against the Gamecocks which is why he was apologetic that they weren’t able to take advantage of it with a win.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“I failed to mention it Saturday but obviously you’ve heard me say it before. When you don’t deliver for the fanbase, it kind of bothers you as a head coach because you appreciate them so much. I thought coming into the game Saturday (that) the tailgate, the people, the environment, the stands? It’s been remarkable and (we) greatly appreciate that,” Stoops said.

The attendance in Kroger Field against the Gamecocks was 61,612. The excitement for this year’s team has shown with an average of well over 60,000 fans for the home games this season. However, the shift of expectations caused over the last two weeks will be the real test.

Now that the Wildcats have dropped a pair, they need that support more than ever. That’s why Stoops wants to see that same passion when they arrive at the stadium this upcoming Saturday.

“Need it again this week to get back on track. Sorry we did not deliver. I can promise you our team is working hard and we’re excited about this week,” said Stoops. “(We) need to have that same environment we’ve had all year. We really appreciate that and we’re gonna need it.”

Mississippi State has proven they’ll be a challenge, especially with how UK has looked the last two weeks. First and foremost, Stoops’ team will have to play better before anything else will matter. Still, another packed, sold out Kroger Field would go a long way in helping them get the job done against the Bulldogs this weekend.