Mark Stoops addresses perception of program following rout at Alabama

Kentucky suffered a historic defeat in a 63-3 loss to Alabama on Saturday, and it came after the Wildcats learned late in the week that they would be without several players.

It was the fifth-worst loss for Kentucky in program history.

UK appeared to have a chance early to make it interesting, as it had the ball near the Alabama goal line in the first half trailing just 7-3. But a series of mistakes unraveled any chances of keeping it close. Botched field goal attempts, dropped interceptions and penalties doomed the Wildcats.

Kentucky returns to action next week against Florida.

Here’s a sampling of what coach Mark Stoops told the media after the game:

“It’s not a good look,” UK football coach Mark Stoops said when he was asked if he was worried that today’s loss might negatively impact the program’s perception. Stoops acknowledged that it did concern him.

— Bluegrass Sports Nation (@BGSportsNation) November 22, 2020

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops after 63-3 loss to Alabama… It’s difficult practicing all week and then finding out on Friday that you won’t have some guys. But it is what it is, a lot of people are dealing with it. This is not a place you want to come to shorthanded.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 22, 2020

Stoops: It’s not a good look. It’s not where we want to be. But this is an explosive team, and not a place you want to come when you’re down (in personnel). But no one wants to accept that kind of score.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 22, 2020

Asked if there was any consideration to not playing today, Stoops said UK was not near the threshold to cancel, and they did not want to do that anyway.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 22, 2020