Mark Stoops Embracing New Version of College Football

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“We have no choice," 12th-year Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said at the Southeastern Conference Media Day when asked about Kentucky putting money into the football program. "To compete in this league you have no choice but to pour into it."

In today’s era of NIL money, and now competing with oversized conferences, it’s never been harder for lower-budget football programs to compete. Former Kentucky Basketball coach and friend of Stoops, Rick Pitino announced he’s donated money to the football program. In 2022, Kentucky was ranked 11th in the SEC in spending for their football team. With spending becoming at the forefront of college athletics Kentucky must get as much help in the ever-changing uptick in the SEC spending.  

“The SEC says it just means more, we’ll need to continue to pour into it, and the one thing that’s bringing me down is raising money," Stoops said.

Mediocre 2023 Season

Last year Kentucky got off to a fast start at 5-0 and won their first two games in SEC play, but then things went off the rails. The Wildcats would stumble to a 2-5 end to their season, following a blowout loss after being ranked 20th in the country to No. 1 Georgia in Athens.

A loss to Clemson in a thrilling Gator Bowl would mark back-to-back seven-win seasons after a 10-win year in 2021. 

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Kentucky’s schedule is tough according to Sports Illustrated, Kentucky has the ninth-hardest schedule this year. Early on they play Georgia at home in Week 3, a rough road game against Ole Miss in Week 5, Tennessee on the road in Week 9, and a road game in Week 11 against new SEC opponent Texas. As long as the Kentucky team stays together through some of these losses there is no reason for them not to win about eight games. 

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Kentucky's Returning Starters

The team returns five of their 11 starters on offense and seven of their 11 returning starters on defense. Of the returning players only two starters were listed on last year’s individual SEC awards. Returning Senior center Eli Cox and junior defensive back Maxwell Hairston were named to the second-team All-SEC. Cox should provide valuable leadership. Georgia transfer and former five-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff in his first year as a starter.

“He’s got the talent he just needs to get under center and get some reps," Stoops said.

With Alabama's Nick Saban retiring this past winter, Stoops is now the longest-tenured head coach in the SEC.