Mark Stoops knew Kentucky was on the cusp of a breakthrough

Kentucky‘s record is perfect, but the Wildcats haven’t played perfect football. It’s the dream scenario for a coach: you win and you learn, no or.

That’s how Mark Stoops saw it through four games (and wins) to open the season. A lot of good and some bad, but plenty to build off of entering the meat and potatoes of the SEC schedule. A breakthrough was coming, but when? The hope was against the Florida Gators.

Mission accomplished in the form of a 33-14 statement victory.

“We’ve done some good things, but I knew we were getting really close to playing some really good football,” Stoops said on the KSR Postgame Show. “I think our team has felt the exact same. We had an opportunity on the big stage against a big rival to put together and play well.”

Stoops challenged Big Blue Nation to show up and show out with the early kickoff, maybe pound some beers along the way. Kroger Field was electric and the Wildcats responded with a quick start, jumping out to an early 23-0 lead.

“Great crowd, great atmosphere. I really did love the fact that we started so strong, both sides of the ball playing really good football,” he said. “So physical, creating some explosive plays, creating energy in the stadium. I’m really proud of the group, and I thought our coaching staff really did a great job this week.”

The best part? Even in a blowout victory against a ranked opponent, Kentucky still had its share of struggles, specifically in the passing game. Quarterback Devin Leary completed just 9 of 20 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, four of his completions coming on screens at or behind the line of scrimmage. Sophomore receiver Barion Brown caught just four of his eight targets for 37 yards and muffed a sure touchdown while fellow second-year wideout Dane Key dropped his lone target.

Factor in two missed sacks that ultimately led to both of Florida’s touchdowns on the day, and the game was just a few plays away from getting really out of hand.

“We knew as the season went on the competition was going to increase. We stepped up, as well,” Stoops said. “I was very confident in the way our team has been preparing the last several weeks, we were ready to step up. I imagine some people (media and fans) were probably a little panicked here and there, but I really wasn’t. I know the attitude of this team, I really like them and the way they go about their business and work. They’re hungry.

“They knew they were leaving things on the field, and it’s the same way today. We played a really good game and were really good in long stretches, but we also know we can be better and we still left some things on the field. We’ll continue to work at that.”

Kentucky hasn’t put together four quarters of perfect football, but controls its destiny in the SEC East. Win next week at Georgia and you control the division going into the back half of the schedule. Simple as that.

5-0 is 5-0.

Matt Jones says Kentucky is a better program than Florida

The Wildcats have won three straight against the Gators for the first time since 1948-51, four of the last six. Factor in the uncovered receivers and the play clock hitting zero, among other wackiness in the series, and the results are a bit misleading since the start of the Mark Stoops era.

In reality, Kentucky has been a better program than Florida, especially for the better part of the last decade.

Matt Jones shared his thoughts to open the KSR Postgame Show following the win.

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