What Mark Stoops said after Kentucky's win over Akron
The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Akron Zips 35-3 on Saturday. One would think a 32-point margin of victory would be enough to make Mark Stoops happy. However, Stoops was not exactly thrilled after the game.
“Another game where we win by 30 and I am pi**ed off,” Stoops said postgame.
Mark Stoops on Postgame Show:
“Another game where we win by 30 and I am pi**ed off”
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 17, 2023
Stoops is referring to the fact that he was noticeably frustrated with the offense’s slow start in Week 1 against Ball State. Against Akron, the team started slow once again, as the score was just 14-0 at halftime.
However, Stoops was not as harsh about the defensive performance in Week 3.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops on 35-3 win over Akron: “Really appreciate the way the defense played the entire night. . . . Offensively, lot of frustration again.” #BBN #ukfootball
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) September 17, 2023
The defense smothered the Zips for much of the game, allowing just 239 total yards of offense. The rushing defense was especially great, allowing just 49 yards.
Finally, Stoops provided an update on QB Devin Leary. Leary left the game after taking a hit in the 4th quarter, but Stoops said his QB “could have gone back in.”
Mark Stoops says Devin Leary got the wind knocked out of him. Says he could have gone back in. Good news.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) September 17, 2023
The 3-0 Wildcats will open SEC play next week against Vanderbilt.
Proud to get the W, but I don’t feel the most confident going into the Vandy game in Nashville. Vanderbilt is much improved. We need to get Ray Davis 20+ touches, either receptions or rushes.
I still don’t feel comfortable with this team. The O line still doesn’t seem much better than last year, and Leary has been hyped way up like Levis was, with pretty much similar results on the field so far.
Maybe it’s taking him a while to learn the pro-style offense. I hope it all clicks and this isn’t just a QB who put up amazing numbers in the ACC but can’t do the same in the SEC.
If a game comes down to an offensive shootout, I don’t think we’ll win. 8 wins seems like the absolute most we can hope for unless we make giant strides through the toughest part of the season.
You need to get your head out of the box score and watch the games: Leary > Levis as a UK QB and it’s not even close.