Mark Stoops and Kentucky were looking for a big upset against Alabama on Saturday, but ultimately fell short, 49-21, to the Tide, who claimed the SEC West title with the win.

The Wildcats went into the half with a big deficit and couldn’t get enough going in the second half to top the Tide.

After the game, Stoops addressed how good Alabama played and said his team didn’t have enough on Saturday.

“Obviously that’s a very good football team,” Stoops said in his postgame press conference. “We didn’t match up very well today.”

Stoops also addressed his team’s inability to come back from the slow start, saying “we never really got any better” following the sluggish first half.

Kentucky was abysmal on 3rd down on both sides of the ball, giving up free passes for Alabama on defense and having quick drives after not being able to convert on 3rd down.

“I wish we would’ve executed better,” Stoops said. “What was really disappointing was third down on both sides.”

Stoops credited his team for fighting hard the entire game, despite coming up short.

“The fight is there. I never question that,” Stoops said. “The execution and playing better.”

But the season is far from over for Kentucky. The Wildcats still have the chance to notch a pair of good wins against South Carolina and Louisville.

“We have to show resolve, we have to show toughness and come back because it’s not easy,” Stoops said. “Ain’t a soul gonna feel sorry for ya. You gotta buckle up and get back to work.”