Mark Stoops relishes historic win over Florida: ‘It was beautiful in so many ways’

Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats pulled off a historic win over Florida on Saturday night, the first such win in Lexington since 1986.

The Cats got several big plays, including a defensive stand at the end to win 20-13.

Trevin Wallace returned a blocked field goal 76 yards for the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter to spark UK.

Kentucky DE Josh Paschal made several plays, including a partial block of that field goal attempt that Wallace returned.

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

Stoops: “It was beautiful in so many ways.” Praises the toughness and resiliency of his players.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 3, 2021

Mark Stoops said the crowd affected the game “in a very positive way… That’s what we need it like every week.”

— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) October 3, 2021

Stoops learning of eight false starts for Florida: “That’s a fantastic stat. Thanks (fans) again. That’s pretty awesome.”

“It was really nice to deliver for the fans. We’ve had it teed up before (and failed).” To finally deliver, “I’m happy. I’m really happy.”

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) October 3, 2021

“Tonight was special, it was a thing of beauty defensively.” Defense came through countless times again tonight when out into tough situations.. They’re playing great #BBN

— Eli Gehn (@EliGehnTV) October 3, 2021

Mark Stoops said that stand at the end was “one heckuva hill to climb.”

Thanks the fans for affecting the game, as Florida had eight false starts.

His defense tonight? “That was special.”

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) October 3, 2021

Stoops says stopping Florida on final drive was a “tough hill to climb.” Got “one heck of a stop.” Again mentions crowd forcing Florida into pre-snap penalties. #BBN

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) October 3, 2021

Stoops continually thanking #BBN for the atmosphere.. Proud of his team, says tonight was magical in a sense with the resiliency of his players and coaches pic.twitter.com/B44wjM2qjO

— Eli Gehn (@EliGehnTV) October 3, 2021

Stoops says Josh Paschal was “amazing.” #BBN #ukfootball

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) October 3, 2021

Stoops on win “Team effort in a beautiful way.” #BBN #UKfootball

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) October 3, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.