I'm offering my thoughts from far away- in Iowa. I'm an Iowa Hawkeye, not a Kentucky Wildcat; though I have great admiration for your program and for the entire Stoops family. Follow your program more than any other program after the great exchanges I had with so many fans here before last season's bowl game. Have chosen to keep following.
I realize the last two weeks has been really tough and sure seems like lots of you are already feeling some level of anger/disappointment in this season. Certainly as a fan you have every right to feel the way you want to feel. However, my perspective comes from what this year has been for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nothing can feel worse than where we have sat this season so far-- and where we likely will sit the last half of the season. We have been 63-25 since 2015 entering this season but feels we are miles from that now. I'd MUCH rather trade places with Kentucky right now.
Believe it or not, with Coach Ferentz taking tons of heat currently, many believing he's seen his pinnacle and we are now on the downhill slide as he's age 67, the name more than any Iowa fans call for in thinking of a new HC is Mark Stoops-- an alum of Iowa. We have tremendous respect for him-- actually for all the Stoops boys since they all played for Iowa. Mark Stoops offers a grit and tenacity and frankly, for what he's done at UK, he's one hell of a coach and so highly respected here.
I know this and I know football: If Iowa could get Mark Stoops today I'd take him in a heartbeat. Now understand, that's not going to happen. I have told all my Iowa friends Mark Stoops won't be coming to Iowa at any point even though he'd likely be the first guy called when Iowa has an opening. He has built his own legacy at Kentucky and there's no reason to leave that; even if his alma mater comes calling.
Anyways, I am betting times get better in Lexington-- in fact, times there today are far better in football because of Mark Stoops than had he not been there. Mark is why expectations have gotten so high among all of you-- the man has done very well.
The best of luck Saturday at home vs. Mississippi State-- wouldn't be one bit surprised you win that game; not one bit surprised you win at Tennessee two weeks later. Keep the faith.
I realize the last two weeks has been really tough and sure seems like lots of you are already feeling some level of anger/disappointment in this season. Certainly as a fan you have every right to feel the way you want to feel. However, my perspective comes from what this year has been for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nothing can feel worse than where we have sat this season so far-- and where we likely will sit the last half of the season. We have been 63-25 since 2015 entering this season but feels we are miles from that now. I'd MUCH rather trade places with Kentucky right now.
Believe it or not, with Coach Ferentz taking tons of heat currently, many believing he's seen his pinnacle and we are now on the downhill slide as he's age 67, the name more than any Iowa fans call for in thinking of a new HC is Mark Stoops-- an alum of Iowa. We have tremendous respect for him-- actually for all the Stoops boys since they all played for Iowa. Mark Stoops offers a grit and tenacity and frankly, for what he's done at UK, he's one hell of a coach and so highly respected here.
I know this and I know football: If Iowa could get Mark Stoops today I'd take him in a heartbeat. Now understand, that's not going to happen. I have told all my Iowa friends Mark Stoops won't be coming to Iowa at any point even though he'd likely be the first guy called when Iowa has an opening. He has built his own legacy at Kentucky and there's no reason to leave that; even if his alma mater comes calling.
Anyways, I am betting times get better in Lexington-- in fact, times there today are far better in football because of Mark Stoops than had he not been there. Mark is why expectations have gotten so high among all of you-- the man has done very well.
The best of luck Saturday at home vs. Mississippi State-- wouldn't be one bit surprised you win that game; not one bit surprised you win at Tennessee two weeks later. Keep the faith.
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