Mark Stoops at Kentucky vs. FCS Opponents

Kentucky only plays one FCS opponent a season, but this Saturday will mark the third time in Mark Stoops’ 11 seasons that EKU has traveled to Kroger Field. The previous two meetings were too close for comfort. Kentucky’s past performances against FCS foe can give us a little preview of what might happen when the Wildcats host the Colonels at 3 pm EST on SECN+/ESPN+.

Mark Stoops’ Matchup with FCS Teams

2013: Kentucky 48, Alabama State 14

Jalen Whitlow threw two touchdowns passes and ran for two more, including an 88-yard touchdown run, to give the Wildcats one of their two wins in 2013.

2014: Kentucky 59, UT-Martin 14

Kentucky built up a 52-0 lead in the season-opening blowout. Four different Wildcats scored in their debut: Braylon Heard, Mikel Horton, Blake Bone and the school’s all-time leading scorer, Austin MacGinnis

2015: Kentucky 34, EKU 27 (OT)

The Mark Stoops era almost came to a screeching halt in a must-win game against EKU in 2015. Seeking bowl eligibility in his third season, Stoops’ squad laid an egg. Eastern Kentucky led 27-13 with eight minutes to play and you could feel the tension in Commonwealth Stadium

Dorian Baker was the unlikely hero that saved the day. He had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns the let the BBN breathe out a sigh of relief. Baker caught one fade with 52 seconds on the clock to force overtime, then scored the game-winner in the extra period.

2016: Kentucky 49, Austin Peay 13

Kentucky did not want to play a banged up Stephen Johnson in a terrible weather game, but Kentucky had to play Stephen Johnson. The Wildcats gave up an opening drive touchdown, then Luke Wright threw a pick six on the first offensive snap, forcing Johnson to be the hero. Kentucky woke up and scored 49 straight points at a cold, windy Kroger Field.

2017: Kentucky 27, EKU 16

After eeking out a win at Southern Miss, the Cats let EKU strike first. The Colonels led for most of the game until Benny Snell scored a 25-yard third quarter touchdown to give the Cats a 17-16 lead. Stephen Johnson followed that up with a rushing touchdown and Austin MacGinnis kicked a field goal in the final minute to put the game out of reach.

2018: Kentucky 48, Murray State 10

Despite two fumbles, Kentucky rolled up 528 yards of offense and called the dogs off at the end of the third quarter of a blowout victory.

2019: Kentucky 50, UT-Martin 7

This felt like deja vu all over again from 2016, yet this time it was the FCS team that started the game behind the 8-ball. Two errant snaps went flying over the head of Nick Petrino’s quarterback, resulting in a safety and a scoop n’ score, giving Kentucky a 9-0 advantage. The Big Blue Wall took over, rushing for six touchdowns and a school record 462 yards, one that would be broken a week later against Louisivlle.

2020: COVID All-SEC Schedule

2021: Kentucky 28, Chattanooga 23

The Cats got punched in the mouth early by the Mocs’ offensive line, led by future Patriots draft pick Cole Strange, then hung around until the Kentucky defense made a big play. Liam Coen admitted his fault after the game for conconcting such a pass-happy scheme that put the Cats’ on their heels. Ty Ajian had a 95-yard pick six that served as the game-winner in the fourth quarter.

2022: Kentucky 31, Youngstown State 0

Kentucky pitched the first shutout of the Mark Stoops era against his hometown team on the day the Big Blue Nation celebrated his new status as the winningest coach in Kentucky football history.

Lessons Learned from Kentucky FCS Games

Mark Stoops is 4-5 against the spread in nine meetings against FCS opponents. The Wildcats seem to either put their foot on the gas and roll the opponent, or metaphorically play with their food until it’s closing time.

There’s no doubt that Stoops will be reminding this UK football team that EKU is playing with some extra motivation on Saturday. It’s a team filled with players who couldn’t quite make it at Kentucky, coached by multiple guys that used to be on the Kentucky sideline. If that wasn’t enough to fire up the troops, the school’s winningest coach, Roy Kidd, is in hospice care.

EKU will bring the fight to the Wildcats. How will Kentucky respond in week two to the FCS foe? We’ll find out Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field.