What Mark Stoops said after impressive Citrus Bowl win over Penn State

The Kentucky Wildcats had to hold off a late comeback attempt by the Penn State Nittany Lions, but ended up getting a big 27-24 win in Tuesday’s Citrus Bowl.

That means the Wildcats finish the year with an impressive 10-3 record, and it was a magical season for coach Mark Stoops and his squad.

They’ll lose a lot of key players this offseason, but Stoops enjoyed the ride while it lasted. He was all smiles in his postgame press conference.

Here’s what the winning coach said after Tuesday’s impressive victory:

On sticking to the game plan:

Stoops said his team didn't need to do anything "special" to win. "Just be us."

— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) January 1, 2019

On Benny Snell Jr. clinching the game with his legs:

Stoops: "The whole stadium knew he [Benny Snell] was going to run the ball." The fact that he got the first downs anyway was impressive.

— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) January 1, 2019

On Snell and the Kentucky seniors:

Benny Snell and these seniors have meant so much to this program, Mark Stoops said. “We had so much fun (together this week) it ought to be illegal."

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) January 1, 2019

On who he’s going to miss more, Mark Stoops said: “I’m going to miss them both, all those guys.”

I had to be intentional not to be emotional in pre-game speech. He said this group means so much to him.

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) January 1, 2019

On talented WR Lynn Bowden:

On Lynn Bowden, Stoops said: “He’s good with the ball in his hands. … We need to find a way to get the ball in his hands.”

The punt return was huge, Stoops said of UK sophomore.

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) January 1, 2019

On what his players mean to him:

Mark Stoops said his players are like his sons. "They're always welcome in my house."

— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) January 1, 2019