Mark Stoops laments 'very deflating' loss at Mississippi State

Mark Stoops lamented Kentucky’s loss at Mississippi State on Saturday as the Wildcats built an early lead, but then fell 31-17 in Starkville.

The Cats made 4 turnovers, including 3 interceptions by Will Levis, and Chris Rodriguez struggled with just 34 yards on 8 carries. Stoops said Kentucky had not been in a game like that in a long time, including all phases, as he said the Cats were outcoached and outplayed in every era.

Here’s a sampling of what Stoops told the media:

Mark Stoops: “It’s been awhile since we’ve had a game like that. They beat us in all phases. . . . We got pushed around. . . . They outcoached us and outplayed us in every era.” #BBN

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) October 31, 2021

Stoops says RB Chris Rodriguez was “dealing with something” this week, “but no excuses.”

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 31, 2021

Mark Stoops on what he wants to see this week: “(We want) to make sure we get the right guys out on the field that play how we want to play.” #BBN

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) October 31, 2021

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops: Pretty difficult to give an opening statement because it’s been a while since we played a game like that. The beat us in every phase. “Overall, very deflating… They kicked our butts.”

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 31, 2021

Mark Stoops on the defense: “It didn’t seem like we made one competitive play, at least down the field.”

— Josh Moore (@JoshMooreHL) October 31, 2021