The internet has a lot of thoughts about Mark Stoops' decision to punt

MrsTylerKSR

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks on during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Carter Skaggs-Imagn Images

Kentucky had No. 1 Georgia on the ropes tonight at Kroger Field, rebounding from last week’s loss to South Carolina in storybook fashion. Unfortunately, the upset for the ages slipped away due to some bad luck and pivotal play calls.

With nine seconds left in the first half, Kentucky elected to kick a field goal on 1st down instead of taking one more shot at the end zone. Alex Raynor made it to put Kentucky up 6-3 going into the half — what a night for him, by the way — but the call everyone is talking about is Mark Stoops’ decision to punt the ball on 4th and 8 at midfield trailing by one with three minutes to go in the game. Stoops made the call in hopes his defense would get the ball back. Instead, the Bulldogs did what teams who haven’t lost a regular-season game since 2019 do: finish the ball game.

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As a Kentucky fan, I know you have thoughts about the call. Everyone else does too, and the reviews are not kind. Here’s a rundown of takes from national media members on Stoops’ decision, which will probably be a talking point for the next 24 hours.

Just so I have this straight.

Kentucky, down by 1, punted to the No. 1 team in the country, with the possible No. 1 QB in the draft?
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) September 15, 2024

At midfield with 3 minutes left.

Coaching malpractice. https://t.co/cn5UVrdd9t
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops Antonio Pierce

🤝

Punts your 7 year old nephew know are stupid
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) September 15, 2024

Kentucky gave up the yardage they gained on the punt in two plays.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 15, 2024

Looking back, Mark Stoops and Kentucky should’ve gone for it.

But, I’m not an overpaid college football coach
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 15, 2024

I've always thought Mark Stoops was Iowa's future head coach. Now I am sure of it.
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops’ interview at Iowa is just going to be him sliding this game film across the table, folding his arms, smirking and winking.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops has been declared academically ineligible for the remainder of the season.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops punting that ball is unforgivable if I'm a Kentucky fan
— T-Bob Hebert (@TBob53) September 15, 2024

This is unbelievable. #1 team on the ropes and you punt on the plus side of the field pic.twitter.com/pSKpupNhMI
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops punting that ball was unconscionable.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) September 15, 2024

Kentucky is coming off an embarrassing loss to South Carolina. It has Georgia on the ropes, at home. And Stoops punts the ball from plus territory 10 yards away from a game-winning field goal attempt?

SOME PLEASE MAKE IT MAKE SENSE
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) September 15, 2024

Mark Stoops traded a 4th-and-8 attempt at midfield for 35 yards and a loss to top-ranked Georgia.

That's what that punt is going to do.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) September 15, 2024

It would have been a smarter decision for Stoops to do a fake punt, purposely throw a interception returned for a TD, and get the ball back on the kick off down 8 with 3 minutes there
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) September 15, 2024

What is Mark Stoops doing? Go for it.

Punt to lose.
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) September 15, 2024

This one will sting the most:

According to ESPN Analytics:

Kentucky had a 34% chance to win if they went for the 4th down.

Kentucky had a 12% chance to win if they punted.
— PELS YEAR. BBN (@pelsyear) September 15, 2024

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