Mark Stoops reveals what Kentucky must do to get RB Benny Snell going again
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Over the first month of the season, Benny Snell was building a solid Heisman campaign.
But in three of Kentucky’s last four games, the team’s star running back has failed to eclipse 100 yards or 4.6 yards per carry. The Wildcats over that stretch suffered their first loss and got into tight games with three SEC East rivals.
Yet No. 9 Kentucky (7-1, 5-1 SEC) still has a shot to win the SEC East, which it can accomplish with a win against No. 6 Georgia (7-1, 5-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Lexington. Snell, however, will be key to making that a reality against one of the country’s best defenses.
During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches teleconference, Wildcats coach Mark Stoops explained what his team can do to make Snell as effective as he was in September. You can read his comments on that below, along with many other pertinent responses as Kentucky gears up for its biggest game in years.
On recruiting and player development of his program:
- The rankings, we aren’t really concerned with that. We go after guys that can be successful here, and we develop our guys and take great pride in that. Our guys have been in our system for a while. Many of them are from Ohio.
On RB Benny Snell’s struggles:
- I think we need to have more balance in our offense. … We hope that last drive against Mizzou will help moving forward. In terms of Benny, I think it’s more about having balance on offense.
On the resiliency of this Kentucky team:
- I am proud of that, and of this team. The way they fight, they find ways to win at all costs. You have to love that about this team. Our players and coaches have done a great job. We are seeing the culmination of years of work from a lot of different people.
What are you expecting from the atmosphere on Saturday?
- That’s a great point, something I’ve addressed on Monday, and that’s the situation. The situation changes every week. Whether you are at home or on the road, the situation is always different. We stick to the same format every week. We will continue to coach as best as we can so that we can execute at the highest level.
On playing for DE Josh Paschal (who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma), does the boost you guys?
- It does. We love Josh and we are there for him with his treatment. I don’t think he’s 100 percent yet, but he’s close. He is an inspiration to all of us.
On being 0-8 in the SEC in 2013 to 5-1 now, what is that like?
- It does feel good. I’m proud of the people in our program. It’s tough to do that in the SEC. You have to fight every day to accomplish that.
On if you got to Atlanta, what would that mean for you:
- It would be another step. That’s what we want to do, another step in the right direction.
On the No. 9 CFP ranking:
- I don’t really pay much attention to that. Our team deserves that, but my focus is on this week.
Could that ranking distract you?
- I don’t think so. They know we have a lot to play for. Just the chance to play for the East is big for us.
On Georgia’s run game:
- They are still averaging over 200 yards per game, got a big line, physical backs. We knew there would be no drop-off with the backs they have now. They do a good job creating space, going bootleg off that.
How you won at Missouri, what did that do for QB Terry Wilson?
- He’s worked hard. We have confidence in him. He needed a bounce-back from the week prior. He worked hard, embraced it and came out strong.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
