Mark Stoops Sticks Up for His Quarterback

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff took a shot he never should have to take. Now Mark Stoops is taking a public shot in a very roundabout way.

In the first half at Tennessee, Vandagriff tried to evade the Tennessee pass rush by running to the Vols’ sideline. Instead of simply scampering out of bounds, there was a collision.

Sometimes incidental contact turns a seemingly minor collision into a disaster. This was not incidental contact. A Tennessee player shoved the Kentucky quarterback right in the face. There was an official standing nearby but a flag was not thrown.

HOW DO THEY NOT CALL THIS??? pic.twitter.com/amyV5V4LbG

— Karl Townes (@Karl_Townes) November 3, 2024

Vandagriff threw an interception later on that drive. He was ultimately unable to complete the game after suffering a head injury on a James Pearce sack.

During today’s SEC Teleconference, Mark Stoops was asked if he had submitted the play to the SEC League Office for comment. Stoops cannot share the league’s response, nor is he allowed to publicly admonish the officiating without getting fined. He spun his words around to share his disappointment with the call.

“It is something I sent into the SEC office,” Stoops said. “That’s it. I can’t even tell you what was said or the information that I got back. I’ll just say, in general — not about that player but in general — there is no place for anybody striking anybody in the head at any place. Before after, during, anytime during a game.”

I think most human beings with a pule would agree with Mark Stoops, but Tennessee fans aren’t most human beings.

The Kentucky head coach has two more speaking engagements on this bye week Wednesday. He’ll meet with reporters this evening after practice, then speak with fans from 6-7 pm EST on The Mark Stoops Show.

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