Will Stein names toughest challenge from first months at Kentucky
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The Kentucky Wildcats are alone atop the SEC standings.
That sentence is usually reserved for basketball, but no games have taken place at Rupp Arena yet this season. Nonetheless, it’s a true statement, thanks to Will Stein.
Kentucky’s prodigal son has exceeded all expectations during his first campaign in Lexington. The Wildcats are top 10 in the AP poll and would be in the College Football Playoff if the bracket were unveiled on Sunday. To Stein, Kentucky’s placement is a product of incredibly hard work.
On Wednesday, Stein was asked about the toughest challenge he has faced since taking the Wildcats’ job. He didn’t name one particular opponent or aspect of game preparation. Instead, he credited the gauntlet of the SEC schedule itself.
“This schedule, it’s daunting. There’s great teams every single week,” Stein said during the SEC’s weekly conference call. “You have to bring it every single day. At the office, you have to plan like you’re in a Super Bowl every single Saturday.”
Kentucky has been involved in many close games this year. The Wildcats overcame a 17-point deficit to win at South Carolina, beat the Gamecocks and LSU Tigers on game-winning two-point conversions in overtime and knocked off Oklahoma with a late pick-six. Prevailing in each of those matchups took incredible mental fortitude and grit, so Kentucky’s bye week couldn’t have come at a much better time.
The Wildcats currently hold a CFP spot, but their playoff fate will be determined down the stretch. Kentucky battles Tennessee, Florida, Missouri and Louisville to end its season. The Wildcats and Volunteers face off at 6:15 p.m. ET on Nov. 7 (ESPN).
