All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to put a bow on the Mark Stoops era.
All good things must come to an end.
Like many of you, last night confirmed what several of us already knew. We’ve reached the end of the Mark Stoops era with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Stoops has done great things at Kentucky. Things many Kentucky fans didn’t think were possible.
We didn’t see a scenario where Kentucky would be able to go toe-to-toe with the SEC in the trenches, but Stoops was at the helm of the Big Blue Wall in Lexington that saw Kentucky line up and play smash-mouth football with other SEC teams.
Other SEC coaches talked about how tough it was to line up across from Kentucky and how the Wildcats were one of the most physical teams in the conference.
We had great players and great moments with Stoops at the helm of this team, and it’s certainly in a better place now than when he found it in 2012.
The recruiting is at a whole new level. Kentucky now competes with SEC and Big Ten schools for recruits instead of the MAC.
Kentucky fans should be grateful for what Mark Stoops has done for Kentucky Football. He’s made a massive difference for the program.
But for all the good Stoops has done, there comes a time for a clean break, and that time has come for Mark Stoops and Kentucky, much like it did for Kentucky Basketball and John Calipari.
I’m not sure what the next steps are for both Kentucky and Mark Stoops. Maybe Stoops wants to continue coaching.
Maybe he wants to retire and ride off into the sunset.
Who knows where Kentucky would look when it comes to a coaching search, but this should be the final season Stoops is at the helm of the Kentucky program.
It’s best for both parties to move on.
Tweet of the Day
I remember watching Kentucky lose to Oakland in last year’s NCAA Tournament and said to myself “this can’t go on like this.”
It, obviously, didn’t.
As an outside observer, tonight is the night where it feels like we’ve officially hit the same point with the UK football program
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 27, 2024
This.
Headlines
Kentucky’s bowl streak is practically over – Herald Leader
Minus a miracle, the Cats will see their season end following the Louisville game.
Kentucky will finish winless at home in SEC play – Cats Pause
It’s the first time since 2013.
Another Lexington letdown for Kentucky – KSR
Tough break for the Big Blue Nation that showed up and showed out.
Tubby Smith admires how Sheppard family handled last season – Vaughts Views
A lot of other families would’ve caused issues.
Dillon Gabriel now 2nd all-time in TD passes – Yahoo
He’s now chasing Case Keenum’s record.
Week 9 winners and losers – CBS Sports
Not a great week for Missouri.
Takeaways from Week 9 – NBC Sports
Who thought we’d be talking about Texas A&M and Indiana right now?
Punches thrown in Michigan-Michigan St. game – ESPN
Things definitely got heated at the end of that rivalry game.
Ohtani to undergo more testing on shoulder – Bleacher Report
Hopefully he’s still able to play in the World Series.