WATCH: Mark Stoops Shares Kentucky's Bye Week Goals

Kentucky is in its second bye week before reaching the midway point of the season. Even though things look dire on the outside, the Cats are trying to keep the main thing, the main thing. For Mark Stoops, bye weeks serve (at least) three purposes.

The most attainable goal is to improve the team’s health. Running back Seth McGowan left the Georgia game after re-aggravating an injury, and cornerback DJ Waller has not played since week one. Stoops is optimistic that both players will be available when Kentucky returns to Kroger Field to play Texas.

Speaking of Texas, another nice thing about not having an opponent on Saturday is that you get a head start on scouting the opponent for the next Saturday. Even though the Longhorns lost their second Power Conference game of the season at The Swamp, Stoops is preparing to battle a quality football team.

“They’re pretty darn good… but they’re schedule’s pretty tough too,” said Stoops. “Playing at Ohio State is no joke. And then at Florida, I was really impressed with both teams in that game. I really thought Florida did some really good things. It’s not like Texas is bad. I think you know that. I think they’re a very good football team that’s playing a tough schedule. On the road, it’s no joke.”

The other storyline that is a mainstay during bye weeks is the integration of underclassmen into practice. Without the need to run scout team, they get more “good on good” reps during practice. It’s vital for guys like EDGE CJ Works and wide receiver Cam Miller who got a taste of success on the road at Georgia. They aren’t the only ones receiving valuable experience this week.

“Any time in a bye week, you’re trying to bring guys along, guys like DJ (Miller), who was banged up in camp. For freshmen, when you miss a week or two weeks, that’s like months,” said Stoops. “We’re trying to, guys that are healthy now, work with them and see if they can help us.”

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