Mark Stoops apologizes for loss, calls out team's lack of energy

Morale in the Big Blue Nation is low following Kentucky’s 24-14 loss to South Carolina. Not only are dreams of a truly special season dashed, the way the Cats played on Saturday did little to inspire confidence heading into the second half of the year. On Saturday, a red-hot Mississippi State team comes to town, making the margin for error even slimmer.

To open his press conference today, Mark Stoops apologized to fans for the loss and pledged to do what it takes to get his team back on track.

“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. And I thought coming into the game Saturday, the tailgating, the people, the environment, the stands, it’s been remarkable. I greatly appreciate that and we need it again here 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 and we need to have that same environment we’ve had all year and we really appreciate that and we’re gonna need it.”

Stoops: “No surprise” Mississippi State is ranked

Mississippi State is now ranked No. 16 in the country. The Bulldogs are 5-1, 2-1 in the SEC with wins over then-No. 17 Texas A&M and Arkansas and a loss at LSU. Mike Leach’s offense has scored at least 39 points in each of its wins and ranks fifth in the nation in passing yards (354.7). Containing the Bulldogs will be a tall task for a defense that has been stretched thin in recent weeks.

“Obviously, anytime you’re playing Mike Leach, he can move the football,” Stoops said today. “They’re very good at what they do. Their quarterback Will Rogers is playing at a very, very high level, is extremely comfortable, and has total command of that offense. They have two dynamic running backs and always have playmakers on the perimeter.”

Will Levis is still day-to-day with a foot injury suffered vs. Ole Miss. Kentucky’s offense hasn’t fired on all cylinders yet this season, and without Levis, was anemic vs. South Carolina.

“Defensively, I think they’re doing a very good job,” Stoops said of Mississippi State. “[Defensive coordinator] Zach Arnett has got those guys playing. A very experienced group. They have a bunch of guys on their two-deep that have played a boatload of football. I’m gonna say maybe eight returning starters and a bunch of guys in the two-deep that are juniors and seniors, so very experienced. I think they play very hard. Zach does a very good job. But that combination together with offense, defense, and special teams, no surprise that they’re ranked in the Top 25.”

Stoops concerned about lack of energy

After the loss, Stoops noted the lack of energy and intensity in practice last week. Senior linebacker JJ Weaver told reporters he didn’t like the vibe on the sidelines, especially in the second half.

“Our energy was down, we’ve just got to bring the energy all game – nobody had no juice to them,” Weaver said after the game. “Nobody had no energy on the sideline, and everybody was laid back and stuff like that. I don’t like that.”

A team captain, Weaver encouraged his younger teammates to shake off bad plays and move on.

“Telling them keep y’all head, next play after next play. They’re gonna obviously get good shots, they’re gonna run the ball hard, it’s the SEC… you just gotta bring the energy”

Today, Stoops said he once again challenged his team to up the intensity in practice.

“I think it’s always concerning. We talked about it. I talked about it since Monday. I actually challenged them in the locker room the week before, you know, the [Ole Miss] postgame. I challenged them again Monday, every week about high energy so I guess I could talk about it until I’m blue in the face. But I think they better do something about it.”

One way or the other, Saturday’s game could tell the story of the season.