Mark Stoops discusses rushing struggles, recaps a close win over Northern Illinois

Kentucky didn’t look dominant, but it pulled off the win against Northern Illinois Saturday night.

Mark Stoops addressed media postgame following the 31-23 win. He joked some and addressed areas where the Wildcats can get better, too.

Here’s his opening statement:

Mark Stoops opening statement after the game #BBN @ASeaOfBlue pic.twitter.com/wL1WglkmGf

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) September 25, 2022

He was able to joke around after picking up Kentucky’s fourth win of the year. The Wildcats will likely keep their place within the top 10 in next week’s AP Poll before travelling to Oxford, Mississippi to take on Ole Miss.

The Rebels have a strong run game. The Wildcats did not Saturday night.

Mark Stoops on Kentucky’s struggles in the run game: “Everyone appreciates the run game now. Five years ago, they didn’t appreciate shit.”

Laughter

“I’m joking, I’m joking. Everybody relax!”

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) September 25, 2022

Here’s more from Stoops’ postgame press conference:

Mark Stoops says he did see good things from offensive line, created explosive plays off NIU’s pressures. #BBN #ukfootball

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) September 25, 2022

Stoops says giving up late touchdown “puts a bad taste in everybody’s mouth.” #BBN #ukfootball

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) September 25, 2022

Stoops says “overall a sluggish game” #bbn #ukfootball

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) September 25, 2022