Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats opened the 2023 season with a strong win over Ball State, 44-14. The Cardinals took an early lead following some Wildcat miscues, but Kentucky’s defense stiffened up to collect win No. 1.

Stoops addressed reporters following the game. To summarize, Stoops said that he won’t completely focus on the negative with a 30-point victory but admitted that he was frustrated by a lot from Saturday’s matchup.

As Kentucky fans will tell you, Saturday was not quite the debut many expected for NC State transfer Devin Leary. The senior completed 18 of his 31 passing attempts for 241 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Against competition such as Ball State, you’d like to see those numbers pumped up a bit.

But, it’s early in the season. Stoops acknowledged that Saturday as well while praising his offensive line for their development across the past year.

Here’s more from Stoops on Kentucky’s season opening win over the Cardinals: