This week almost certainly has a different feel to it for Kentucky.
The No. 17 Wildcats (4-0, 2-0 SEC) are coming off perhaps the biggest win under coach Mark Stoops, a 28-7 victory against then-No. 14 Mississippi State that earned them a spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2007.
Now we’ll get to see how Kentucky plays with some hype behind it when the Wildcats host South Carolina (2-1, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Stoops addressed that point and several others during his appearance on Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference:
On being ranked for the first time in 11 years, beating Florida, what’s it been like?
- Just trying to prepare our guys for the best week possible, and that’s every day. We are dealing with kids with a lot going on, trying to get their 100 percent focus. We do have a more mature, more focused team. Prepping the right way is important.
On Benny Snell, is he better than last year?
- He’s always had a great work ethic, he’s always had that chip. He takes it personally when he doesn’t get yards. … We all know how hard it is to get yards in this league.
On players transferring this week, what are your thoughts?
- I can’t really comment on anyone else’s situation, but sometimes it’s good for everyone involved. … The last thing you want is someone here that is a great person and great player that could help someone else. … You support that, you would always would like to see people stick it out when they can. … The last thing you want is someone not trying because they aren’t getting the ball, et cetera.
On the offensive line’s progression:
- I’ve been very pleased with the line and their consistency. We had four guys with experience and two others that didn’t. … The core guys have been very good players. They are physical, they get better each week with protections and they know they have great backs behind them, and I love their attitude and their effort.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
