Mark Stoops is the Best Shot We Have at 9 Win Seasons Right Now

[anon_qax8mahtiv0xu]

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[tluck88]

I agree

 

[brianpoe]

When do you expect we will see a 9 win season?

 

[PhattyJ4UK]

sorry, just dont think it is the case.

we were a 9 win team this year, but our coaching staff made a cluster of errors that snatched those 2 away. i dont see stoops getting better in that category..hope im wrong as i know hes not going anywhere, nor do i think its a good time to do it..unless you have a guaranteed hire in coach brown or leach

 

[trueblujr2]

When do you expect we will see a 9 win season?

But, but, but...everybody else is going to get better ‘cause they all get new coaches and stuff. We never get better too.

Wow, just realized, as of today, half of our SEC schedule will have new coaches.

 

[North Carolina Blue Wildcat]

I see ten possible wins on the 2018 schedule. I’m not even so sure that I’d go so far as to say I expect a 9 win season, but I certainly think Stoops is our best shot. I think there is about a 30% chance of getting to 9 next year. I don’t think the 2019 schedule has been released so I can’t really say how I think that will unfold, but I’d think as of now there is about the same likelihood there for a 9 win season—probably in the 30-40% range. Now, these might not be great odds, but I don’t think there is any coach we could feasibly get right now that would improve those odds (if we could get Saban, Jimbo, Bob Stoops, then sign me up).

Who do we get these 9-10 wins from? We play 12 games next year, are we adding more games? We may win 6 next year but I say 5.

Murray State
Tennessee-Depending on their hire.
Vanderbilt
Middle Tennessee
One of MS or A&M. Again based on their hire.

 

[North Carolina Blue Wildcat]

Florida is an absolute train wreck right now (4-7). We play them the second game of the season, which helps. I don’t think Mullen is going to have them playing as well in the second game as they will be towards the end of the year. I think that’s a winnable game. Crowd attendance seems to have been down in the Swamp at UK games the past couple of times we’ve been down there. Don’t think it’s as raucous of an environment as it once was. Every game, but Texas A & M and Georgia, I see as winnable. MSU without Mullen at home. USC at home. UT junior college at Neyland—will people even show up anymore? Vandy at Home. At mizzou—all ten of their fans will really make that stadium loud. And all of our OOC opponents are beatable.

I’d take it, just don’t see it happening. Hope you are correct, I really do.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

I see 6-7 wins next season. Stoops could end up like Tubby, just a boring program that fans are not excited about, but you win enough games to keep your job.

The problem is the fans are not excited right now at 7 wins. Either they don't like the style of play or they know we should have 8-9 wins already.

I personally like the running game style of play if we could have a decent Defense.

8+ wins this season was very reasonable and there is just no excuse for getting pummeled by your average in-state rival. How can you get excited after that performance? I will never accept being 2nd tier under UL in the state of Kentucky. That is just unacceptable.

I've been Pumping Stoops and think he's a nice guy who likes being at UK, but can he improve enough to beat teams like UT, UF, UGA once in a while? I don't know.

He was given the chance this season on a silver platter to beat UF.

Nobody knows right now if he can improve his Coaching abilities, but we do know there is more talent on our team than we've seen in MANY years and our facilities are now top notch.

Fan excitement is a problem. I've seen a lot of empty seats in that stadium.

 

[frost-1]

I agree OP we need to support Stoops. Do not see 10 wins but do see progress.

 

[Jazzycat]

I agree about giving him one more year to prove he can coach in the SEC. If he doesn't get to 8-9 wins, then, I believe a change should be considered. Stoops needs to also reevaluate some of his coaching hires, especially, on the defensive end. He should be willing to do whatever it takes to upgrade his assistants and expect a better product on the field. The lack of player development, play calling and repeated coaching mistakes have caused two losses this year - Florida and Ole Miss. Win those and this board is satisfied with the progress made. It appears that this team has regressed at the end of the last three seasons and that has to be corrected. As a fan, I am hopeful that year six will be the year that Stoops finds his rhythm and the team overcomes the obstacles that have plagued them the last 2-3 years.

 

[brianpoe]

I see ten possible wins on the 2018 schedule. I’m not even so sure that I’d go so far as to say I expect a 9 win season, but I certainly think Stoops is our best shot. I think there is about a 30% chance of getting to 9 next year. I don’t think the 2019 schedule has been released so I can’t really say how I think that will unfold, but I’d think as of now there is about the same likelihood there for a 9 win season—probably in the 30-40% range. Now, these might not be great odds, but I don’t think there is any coach we could feasibly get right now that would improve those odds (if we could get Saban, Jimbo, Bob Stoops, then sign me up).

10? Wow.

That would be great.

What are your thoughts if we don’t reach 7?

 

[brianpoe]

But, but, but...everybody else is going to get better ‘cause they all get new coaches and stuff. We never get better too.

Wow, just realized, as of today, half of our SEC schedule will have new coaches.

Are we better this year than we were last year?

 

[Freetaxreturn]

I see ten possible wins on the 2018 schedule. I’m not even so sure that I’d go so far as to say I expect a 9 win season, but I certainly think Stoops is our best shot. I think there is about a 30% chance of getting to 9 next year. I don’t think the 2019 schedule has been released so I can’t really say how I think that will unfold, but I’d think as of now there is about the same likelihood there for a 9 win season—probably in the 30-40% range. Now, these might not be great odds, but I don’t think there is any coach we could feasibly get right now that would improve those odds (if we could get Saban, Jimbo, Bob Stoops, then sign me up).

Somebody call the cops please, DUI in progress

 

[GonzoCat90]

Are we better this year than we were last year?

Is Clemson? Is Alabama?

 

[truebluewildcat]

I agree that stability is the best thing for the program, short and long term. However, that doesn't mean there isn't room for change/tweaks here and there.

I also think MB and the UK decision makers can hold off on extensions and bonuses just for getting to 7 wins and winning conference games.

CMS is here through about 2022 as it is, that's great. Let's get through 2020 and see where things are at before we extend anything. If by that time we've had a couple 9 wins seasons and finished 2nd in the east or made it to atlanta, make him the highest paid coach in history.

If we're nearing the end of CMS' contract and we've yet to do better than.500 conference, haven't beaten some big boys a couple times, and are still finishing seasons ugly, then maybe it'll be time to start planning for a change.

 

[EliteBlue]

Florida is an absolute train wreck right now (4-7). We play them the second game of the season, which helps. I don’t think Mullen is going to have them playing as well in the second game as they will be towards the end of the year. I think that’s a winnable game. Crowd attendance seems to have been down in the Swamp at UK games the past couple of times we’ve been down there. Don’t think it’s as raucous of an environment as it once was. Every game, but Texas A & M and Georgia, I see as winnable. MSU without Mullen at home. USC at home. UT junior college at Neyland—will people even show up anymore? Vandy at Home. At mizzou—all ten of their fans will really make that stadium loud. And all of our OOC opponents are beatable.

I don't think it happens but could you imagine Mullen losing to us in his first year when they haven't loss to us in 30 years?

Can you say instant hot seat.

 

[brianpoe]

Is Clemson? Is Alabama?

Was the question about Bama Or Clemson?

I was referring to the comment regarding our improvement.

 

[UKCats44]

I'm far from a Stoops apologist, but I agree. I think many forget, that when Stoops got here, this team had FCS caliber talent. He has recruited at a level we have never seen, which has resulted in most of his conference wins. However, he looks like a deer in headlights when it comes to in-game coaching, and with the way his defenses have performed, I have serious doubts that Stoops will ever figure it out. With potential NFL guys like Josh Allen, Jordan Jones, Denzil Ware, and Mike Edwards there is no excuse for how bad his defense has looked.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I know I’ll probably get blasted for this and that’s fine. Many of the anti-Stoops contingent have valid points and I even agree with some of those. The defense was atrocious and I expect some defensive personnel changes this off-season. However, in spite of all his deficiencies, Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

I’m not sure I totally understand the wishes that some have expressed that other teams hire away Stoops. I know some of these have been tongue-in-cheek, but it still doesn’t make much sense to me. Let’s say someone like a UT does hire Stoops (not going to happen, but for argument’s sake let’s assume it). In that instance, Stoops is going to bring a lot of his staff with him. We’re cetainly not going to keep Marrow and I think the new UK Coach is going to have a much tougher time recruiting Ohio. And I think we’ve seen Alabama, Georgia, and even to some extent, Florida are more difficult areas to recruit. Even if our hypothetical new coach is a better in-game coach than Stoops, will he be that much better to make up for the more difficult recruiting situation? I tend to think no.

Also, we’re so close to taking the next step. There was no excuse for the UL game. We got blown out in year five to our main rival. We were in the game in the first halves in away games at Georgia and MSU. Of course, we had an all out collapse in both of those games in the second halves, but I don’t know why UK couldn’t have played as well in the second half as they did in the first half. I know we still wouldn’t have won those games, but Georgia is a playoff team and MSU is a good team with a huge home field advantage.

We all know how close we were in the Florida and Ole Miss games. Since we were so close to having a 9 win season this year, I’m still going to support Stoops. I really do think he can still improve as a coach and for that reason I feel optimistic that we can still get to 9 wins in the upcoming seasons. I know this season had historically easy opponents and I was disappointed that we played EKU and EMU so close, especially at home.

I totally understand the criticisms of Stoops and I’ve thought that way before too. I just still think not all hope is lost. I know others will still disagree with me and that’s fine—you have some strong arguments. But looking around at UT and Ole Miss (two schools with more success than us), I’m glad we have Stoops as our coach. I firmly believe it could very easily be much worse. Call me a pumper, but I’m still pro-Stoops.

With all due respect, I'm not reading a book that says MS is our savior and a good coach...he is neither.

 

[Zakk Wyldcat]

If this guy would stop with the antagonism and also clean up the in-game sideline management, disorganization and lack of attention to detail I'm all for him staying around. IMO.

 

[The-Hack]

When do you expect we will see a 9 win season?

To answer the question as though the OP, I don't expect a 9 win season.

I would not expect a 9 win season if Stoops' critics got what they say they want . . . . a new coach just isn't likely to get us there either, 'cause we ain't hiring Mullen or Franklin. Given that we have had two 9 win seasons since 1952, "expecting" it under any given (realistic coaching) scenario is tough.

As to the OP, I agree, Stoops might well not get us "there," but it would be hard to argue who better could.

 

[KYNC89]

Is Clemson? Is Alabama?

Please. Both were in the title game. Clemson still has a chance and bama a slim chance. People that use that argument don’t actually have an argument.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Was the question about Bama Or Clemson?

I was referring to the comment regarding our improvement.

The comment wasn't about our improvement in a vacuum, it was about other programs improving as well, therefore making them a more difficult opponent while we aren't ever expected to improve.

My point was that not every team improves every year, even the elite ones who recruit at unprecedented rates.

 

[brianpoe]

The comment wasn't about our improvement in a vacuum, it was about other programs improving as well, therefore making them a more difficult opponent while we aren't ever expected to improve.

My point was that not every team improves every year, even the elite ones who recruit at unprecedented rates.

And my point was at the previous poster I replied to who seemed to believe that we did improve this year and scoffed at those who disagree and do not see great improvements coming.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Please. Both were in the title game. Clemson still has a chance and bama a slim chance. People that use that argument don’t actually have an argument.

Kentucky won 7 games last year and 7 games this year.

Would this year's version of either of those teams beat last year's version? No.

 

[Shavers48]

I know I’ll probably get blasted for this and that’s fine. Many of the anti-Stoops contingent have valid points and I even agree with some of those. The defense was atrocious and I expect some defensive personnel changes this off-season. However, in spite of all his deficiencies, Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

I’m not sure I totally understand the wishes that some have expressed that other teams hire away Stoops. I know some of these have been tongue-in-cheek, but it still doesn’t make much sense to me. Let’s say someone like a UT does hire Stoops (not going to happen, but for argument’s sake let’s assume it). In that instance, Stoops is going to bring a lot of his staff with him. We’re cetainly not going to keep Marrow and I think the new UK Coach is going to have a much tougher time recruiting Ohio. And I think we’ve seen Alabama, Georgia, and even to some extent, Florida are more difficult areas to recruit. Even if our hypothetical new coach is a better in-game coach than Stoops, will he be that much better to make up for the more difficult recruiting situation? I tend to think no.

Also, we’re so close to taking the next step. There was no excuse for the UL game. We got blown out in year five to our main rival. We were in the game in the first halves in away games at Georgia and MSU. Of course, we had an all out collapse in both of those games in the second halves, but I don’t know why UK couldn’t have played as well in the second half as they did in the first half. I know we still wouldn’t have won those games, but Georgia is a playoff team and MSU is a good team with a huge home field advantage.

We all know how close we were in the Florida and Ole Miss games. Since we were so close to having a 9 win season this year, I’m still going to support Stoops. I really do think he can still improve as a coach and for that reason I feel optimistic that we can still get to 9 wins in the upcoming seasons. I know this season had historically easy opponents and I was disappointed that we played EKU and EMU so close, especially at home.

I totally understand the criticisms of Stoops and I’ve thought that way before too. I just still think not all hope is lost. I know others will still disagree with me and that’s fine—you have some strong arguments. But looking around at UT and Ole Miss (two schools with more success than us), I’m glad we have Stoops as our coach. I firmly believe it could very easily be much worse. Call me a pumper, but I’m still pro-Stoops.

when the BEST possible conditions to achieve 9 wins passes you by and you only get 7 - I see no logic in your contention.

 

[brianpoe]

Kentucky won 7 games last year and 7 games this year.

Would this year's version of either of those teams beat last year's version? No.

Hopefully next year will be an improvement. QB and defense have me worried, as well as how the schedule ends up with all the turnover.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Hopefully next year will be an improvement. QB and defense have me worried, as well as how the schedule ends up with all the turnover.

I think we'll greatly miss SJ's intangibles, but the actual product at QB wasn't good at times. I'm optimistic we'll be more accurate there and make better reads (if we go RPO) and that others will pick up the leadership slack.

Defense, I think we have some young bright spots. As guys like Paschal and Bohanna grow that D-line should greatly improve. A lot hinges on what guys like Allen decide to do.

With so many coaches yet to be hired, recruiting left, transfers, the NFL, etc it's too early to know much, but some of our "sure things" are reason for optimism.

Gotta solve that QB riddle though. If we can throw the ball too, this is an entirely different team.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I agree OP we need to support Stoops. Do not see 10 wins but do see progress.

Define progress...I don't see any road wins next year and loss to Ga at home...that's six losses right there...CM will be much tougher than most think because we won't be able to score again..Murray should be a win...we have beaten SC a few straight, but they will be much improved next year. Who knows about the rest because UK staff makes enough mistakes to make things close...5-7 at best.

 

[Shavers48]

Then you’re not accounting for roster improvement, personnel changes, improved coaching (hey, it happens). That’s a total Malthusian-esque argument, bro.

both internal and external factors constantly move and have bell curve attributes. your points pale to the outlier that was this year's external conditions; as opposed to the constant rate of food production Malthus measured against. In your argument, our football famine continues, bro.

 

[Freetaxreturn]

We just gettin started, bro

 

[Shavers48]

That's fair. But is it necessarily guaranteed that next year will be more difficult? I'm not so sure. I grant you it definitely could be. Florida should be better. MSU probably not so much, UT probably not so much, Vandy probably not so much, Louisville probably not so much. I think UK is better roster-wise next year too. How that plays out in the win-loss total of course remains to be see. You could very well be right. On a side note, do you think Malthus knows how to coach defense?

I worry more that we catch USC and Mizzou in late-this-season form than when we played them. Malthus is great but not sure we could get him and even if we do we don't have the MLBs to run that Tampa 2 he's so in love with.

 

[cole854]

Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

Remember you said this next year at this time.

 

[WildCard]

A well articulated opening post but I respectfully disagree on several points...

However, in spite of all his deficiencies, Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

With all due respect UK is nowhere close to 9 win season(s). Note plural. Yes, a couple of breaks this year and UK could have won 9 but that absolutely would not have meant 9 win seasons to follow. In traditionally weak football programs, rebuilding from scratch efforts are more frequently characterized by some "return to earth" seasons following an initial breakthrough year.

Even if our hypothetical new coach is a better in-game coach than Stoops, will he be that much better to make up for the more difficult recruiting situation? I tend to think no.

Unless you are talking about AL level recruiting (and we aren't!) recruiting doesn't mean too much unless there is ensuing player development AND correct "use" of those recruits. Recent recruiting classes have been considered much better than those in Brook's last few years (he took over not just a mess but a HUGE mess) but has the success been any better?

Also, we’re so close to taking the next step.

That depends on how you define "the next step". And, as noted above, do you remain at that 1 step forward position or fall 2 steps back? The point here being one good season does not mean consistent 8, 9 win regular seasons. I'm a big believer that for about 115 of the 130 teams playing FBS football you must crawl before you walk and walk before you run. And the "walk stage" is usually the very longest.

I totally understand the criticisms of Stoops and I’ve thought that way before too. I just still think not all hope is lost.

I agree with these thoughts. There is disappointment things are not further along (especially given the mediocrity of SECE teams the past few years). Had the Cats finished at 9-3 or 5-7 there would likely be a strong feelings about the Stoops tenure...one way or the other. But finishing at 6 or 7 wins, even with a very favorable schedule creates something of a "let's wait and see" situation....beginning with the forthcoming bowl game.

All JMO

Peace

 

[ZenCatFan73]

What aggravates me the most is that he doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes. Then, when he says "we'll clean that up", "we gotta get better", "that's on me", it irritates me that much more.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Since he is 4-0 and is our current coach I would agree Stoops s our best shot at 9 wins

 

[KYNC89]

Oh, I remember

It’s not November yet

 

[mark0202]

I know I’ll probably get blasted for this and that’s fine. Many of the anti-Stoops contingent have valid points and I even agree with some of those. The defense was atrocious and I expect some defensive personnel changes this off-season. However, in spite of all his deficiencies, Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

I’m not sure I totally understand the wishes that some have expressed that other teams hire away Stoops. I know some of these have been tongue-in-cheek, but it still doesn’t make much sense to me. Let’s say someone like a UT does hire Stoops (not going to happen, but for argument’s sake let’s assume it). In that instance, Stoops is going to bring a lot of his staff with him. We’re cetainly not going to keep Marrow and I think the new UK Coach is going to have a much tougher time recruiting Ohio. And I think we’ve seen Alabama, Georgia, and even to some extent, Florida are more difficult areas to recruit. Even if our hypothetical new coach is a better in-game coach than Stoops, will he be that much better to make up for the more difficult recruiting situation? I tend to think no.

Also, we’re so close to taking the next step. There was no excuse for the UL game. We got blown out in year five to our main rival. We were in the game in the first halves in away games at Georgia and MSU. Of course, we had an all out collapse in both of those games in the second halves, but I don’t know why UK couldn’t have played as well in the second half as they did in the first half. I know we still wouldn’t have won those games, but Georgia is a playoff team and MSU is a good team with a huge home field advantage.

We all know how close we were in the Florida and Ole Miss games. Since we were so close to having a 9 win season this year, I’m still going to support Stoops. I really do think he can still improve as a coach and for that reason I feel optimistic that we can still get to 9 wins in the upcoming seasons. I know this season had historically easy opponents and I was disappointed that we played EKU and EMU so close, especially at home.

I totally understand the criticisms of Stoops and I’ve thought that way before too. I just still think not all hope is lost. I know others will still disagree with me and that’s fine—you have some strong arguments. But looking around at UT and Ole Miss (two schools with more success than us), I’m glad we have Stoops as our coach. I firmly believe it could very easily be much worse. Call me a pumper, but I’m still pro-Stoops.

All that aside..... I think we’re looking at a 10 win season. Just saying...

 

[BlueEmpire]

I know I’ll probably get blasted for this and that’s fine. Many of the anti-Stoops contingent have valid points and I even agree with some of those. The defense was atrocious and I expect some defensive personnel changes this off-season. However, in spite of all his deficiencies, Stoops is still the best shot we have for getting to 9 win seasons.

I’m not sure I totally understand the wishes that some have expressed that other teams hire away Stoops. I know some of these have been tongue-in-cheek, but it still doesn’t make much sense to me. Let’s say someone like a UT does hire Stoops (not going to happen, but for argument’s sake let’s assume it). In that instance, Stoops is going to bring a lot of his staff with him. We’re cetainly not going to keep Marrow and I think the new UK Coach is going to have a much tougher time recruiting Ohio. And I think we’ve seen Alabama, Georgia, and even to some extent, Florida are more difficult areas to recruit. Even if our hypothetical new coach is a better in-game coach than Stoops, will he be that much better to make up for the more difficult recruiting situation? I tend to think no.

Also, we’re so close to taking the next step. There was no excuse for the UL game. We got blown out in year five to our main rival. We were in the game in the first halves in away games at Georgia and MSU. Of course, we had an all out collapse in both of those games in the second halves, but I don’t know why UK couldn’t have played as well in the second half as they did in the first half. I know we still wouldn’t have won those games, but Georgia is a playoff team and MSU is a good team with a huge home field advantage.

We all know how close we were in the Florida and Ole Miss games. Since we were so close to having a 9 win season this year, I’m still going to support Stoops. I really do think he can still improve as a coach and for that reason I feel optimistic that we can still get to 9 wins in the upcoming seasons. I know this season had historically easy opponents and I was disappointed that we played EKU and EMU so close, especially at home.

I totally understand the criticisms of Stoops and I’ve thought that way before too. I just still think not all hope is lost. I know others will still disagree with me and that’s fine—you have some strong arguments. But looking around at UT and Ole Miss (two schools with more success than us), I’m glad we have Stoops as our coach. I firmly believe it could very easily be much worse. Call me a pumper, but I’m still pro-Stoops.

LOL @ ERRRRRRBODY on this MFn thread but this guy^^^

You sir, are exceptional.

 

[Myron Gaines]

Props OP, you da man