Mark Stoops is looking for a second straight win over Florida, and the Kentucky coach is starting a backup quarterback following the injury to Terry Wilson.

But on a segment with SEC Network host Paul Finebaum, Stoops candidly shared what Wilson’s injury meant to him and those around the program. Sawyer Smith is a transfer from Troy following a season where he stepped on the field in similar circumstances. Smith took over the starting role 7 games into last season after junior Kaleb Barker was lost for the year with a knee injury. Smith was 5-2 as a starter.

“We feel terrible for Terry, because I see all the work he put in,” Stoops told Finebaum. “You all watched him, everybody watched him for a year, and then see him put all that time into the offseason, and he’s worked really hard to improve on the areas where he needed to improve. Our team was getting better. That’s what’s tough about it. However, injuries happen, whether it’s quarterback or any position.”

Given Smith’s experience, Stoops is comfortable with how he’ll handle his surroundings against Florida.

“We have a lot of faith and confidence in Sawyer and he’s the next man up, and the nice thing about him is he’s played a lot,” Stoops said. “He’s played in a lot of big games. This environment will not be too big for him. We know it’s a challenge, but it always is in this league. … We’re better this year at all the other pieces around the quarterback position.”