Hello HOB. Time for today’s practice wrap-up over at the JCFTC. It’s Thursday, so that means our final interviews of the week with HC Mark Stoops. I’ll have the latest news and notes here at approx 5:30 ET. Stay tuned…
MARK STOOPS Q&A:
* Good week of work. Excited to get back on the home field and play better for the fans. Hopefully we’ll have great energy. Need to bounce back. Like the way the team has responded this week, showed pride in their program and a desire to bounce back against a good Missouri team. Always seems to be a close game with them that comes down to a couple of plays.
* Both teams will probably tell you turnovers are big in a game like this, but UK’s focus is primarily on discipline and having that edge/attitude while also being disciplined. Did that two weeks ago. Did not last week, and that let the game get away from them.
* Love the players and the pride they have in their play. Thinks they’ve moved on and likes where they are going into this game.
* No specifics, but “decently healthy for this time of year.” Adds that everyone is in the same boat.
* Things are there for Devin Leary to be successful. Everyone in the building thinks they will put it together. We’ve seen some amazing throws from him. But you can’t have the mistakes here and there that throw the whole thing off. “I’ve seen us execute it at a higher level this week.”
* On Mizzou having a kicker with a big leg… Can affect your strategy in critical moments. Feels like he can knock it in from anywhere within reason. Have to be aware of that ability.
* Tigers have a complete team. The way they’re throwing the ball, they’re clicking on all cylinders. Defense plays hard, disrupts you. That’s why they’re 5-1 and had a chance to come in here 6-0.
* Both teams have to understand the importance of this game. “Obviously an important game.” But won’t say this game defines the rest of the season. You can’t look at it that way.
* First game this season where weather might be a factor… It’s a reality you have to be prepared for, but it will be the same for both sides. Can affect you if you’re in rain or wind. Can’t really do anything about it on a day like this (beautiful, 79 degrees in LEX) but sometimes you can get a wet ball and do some things with it.
* On his own kicker, Alex Raynor… He’s been very consistent. Really like where he’s at. Very level-headed. Nice and smooth in his operation. They haven’t talked much about his numbers (wink, wink). Let’s not jinx things.
MARK STOOPS Q&A:
* Good week of work. Excited to get back on the home field and play better for the fans. Hopefully we’ll have great energy. Need to bounce back. Like the way the team has responded this week, showed pride in their program and a desire to bounce back against a good Missouri team. Always seems to be a close game with them that comes down to a couple of plays.
* Both teams will probably tell you turnovers are big in a game like this, but UK’s focus is primarily on discipline and having that edge/attitude while also being disciplined. Did that two weeks ago. Did not last week, and that let the game get away from them.
* Love the players and the pride they have in their play. Thinks they’ve moved on and likes where they are going into this game.
* No specifics, but “decently healthy for this time of year.” Adds that everyone is in the same boat.
* Things are there for Devin Leary to be successful. Everyone in the building thinks they will put it together. We’ve seen some amazing throws from him. But you can’t have the mistakes here and there that throw the whole thing off. “I’ve seen us execute it at a higher level this week.”
* On Mizzou having a kicker with a big leg… Can affect your strategy in critical moments. Feels like he can knock it in from anywhere within reason. Have to be aware of that ability.
* Tigers have a complete team. The way they’re throwing the ball, they’re clicking on all cylinders. Defense plays hard, disrupts you. That’s why they’re 5-1 and had a chance to come in here 6-0.
* Both teams have to understand the importance of this game. “Obviously an important game.” But won’t say this game defines the rest of the season. You can’t look at it that way.
* First game this season where weather might be a factor… It’s a reality you have to be prepared for, but it will be the same for both sides. Can affect you if you’re in rain or wind. Can’t really do anything about it on a day like this (beautiful, 79 degrees in LEX) but sometimes you can get a wet ball and do some things with it.
* On his own kicker, Alex Raynor… He’s been very consistent. Really like where he’s at. Very level-headed. Nice and smooth in his operation. They haven’t talked much about his numbers (wink, wink). Let’s not jinx things.
