Stoops is spiraling now...

[K_TIME]

Stoops has gone full blown blaming the decline of the program on not having money to buy players now......

- Skips over recruiting and developing players (especially Oline)
- What about the money spent on Vandagriff.....was it lack of $$$ or Bush/Stoops are way below the rest of SEC offensive minds.
- What about losing to Vandy, USC, Auburn, Florida.....was is talent or maybe some terrible game coachign that we performed so badly.

If this is Stoops stance in year 12....what is the point of bringing him back for next year.s


Stoops on Ky and Free Agency

“It’s just part of college football. Now, we’ve got to continue to build it with a foundation of high school recruiting and recruiting and developing those guys, but you’ve got to supplement it with the transfer portal. That’s something that — that’s the area where I have to and we have to do a better job,” he said. “I don’t want to get into it, I don’t want to whine about it, don’t want to cry, but I’ve been busting my tail trying to raise money, you know?

“Again, I don’t want to cry. It’s just — that’s what it takes, period. The end. Like, you’ve got to have it.”

 

[HerrosHeroes]

He’s not wrong; so pony up!

 

[CNJ1966]

For whatever reason, we have not been recruiting and developing players on the offensive side of the ball. And that is what has led to this situation.

 

[billoliver40]

This is a repetitive issue with coach. Now look...I hate it myself. It's age appropriate pro sports, and all the covers have been pulled back to show what college football really is.

No one likes change. The cold hard fact is that you can adapt or do something else.

 

[kats23]

but he's also going about this the wrong way. He continues to beat this horse with less than stellar results. What does this say to the players in the locker-room. He needs to shut up and start winning games or get out.

 

[K_TIME]

He’s not wrong; so pony up!

So...explain to me losing to Vandy 2 of last 3 meetings?
explain to me 3 straight to USC?


How did guys like Bunchy, Stenberg, Fortner, etc...even role players like Nassir Watkins, Eli Cox (early years) Horsey,e tc... become such a solid Oline now we literally can't recruit and develop a single oline that is solid anymore?

Finally, Brock got reportedly 2M to get to UK...why is flailing so badly?

This can't be as simple as buy the entire roster and you win...if that is the case...why even try wtih Texas, Tennessee, LSU, Bama, Auburn, etc...in our conferenc3e.

 

[R.O.T.Muckinfush]

It's just more excuse making to deflect from incompetence. The paradigm has shifted and stoops is in over his head.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

So...explain to me losing to Vandy 2 of last 3 meetings?
explain to me 3 straight to USC?


How did guys like Bunchy, Stenberg, Fortner, etc...even role players like Nassir Watkins, Eli Cox (early years) Horsey,e tc... become such a solid Oline now we literally can't recruit and develop a single oline that is solid anymore?

Finally, Brock got reportedly 2M to get to UK...why is flailing so badly?

This can't be as simple as buy the entire roster and you win...if that is the case...why even try wtih Texas, Tennessee, LSU, Bama, Auburn, etc...in our conferenc3e.

Generally n pro baseball (no salary cap like NIL) the teams that spend the most do the best. That doesn't mean you win the world series a ton but it gives them a chance. The small market teams have an uphill climb.

Same thing n college football with NIL. It also doesn't mean you should lose so many home games in a row and doesn't excuse losing to vandy and SC at home and a bad auburn team and so on. UK should be able to eek out 6 to 7 wins every season even n this era due to ooc cupcakes and some winnable sec games.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I think he's trying to save what he can. It's not very eloquently put, but I understand. If they don't find funding, there'll be a exodus of players and things will worsen.

 

[trueblujr2]

I think he's trying to save what he can. It's not very eloquently put, but I understand. If they don't find funding, there'll be a exodus of players and things will worsen.

Basketball managed to find funding that wouldn't have otherwise been there if a coaching change didn't occur. When the taste in donors mouth's is sour, they tend to be complacent in their giving. When fresh air is breathed into the program, they tend to be more giving. The crafts were backing off helping Cal, they were done with him. When Pope was hired they got back onboard in a huge way. The best we can hope for is that Stoops leaves in similar fashion as Cal.

 

[WeWant9]

I’m sure putting on a smile and doing nil fundraising is exhausting, but it’s part of the game now. I get it, but most people aren’t going open their pockets after seeing the investment of this current season.

 

[sambowieshin]

I think he's trying to save what he can. It's not very eloquently put, but I understand. If they don't find funding, there'll be a exodus of players and things will worsen.

Maybe there's no $$$ because there is sh** results for the $$$ already being spent. The ROI is pretty crappy right now.

 

[truebluewildcat]

I’m tired of hearing about money and all the other excuses.

Half the top 25 maybe more are programs that don’t have anymore money, resources, fan support, etc than UK.

He ought to try scoring. Put some points on the board and see what kind of talent you attract.
His offenses average about 2,000-2300 yards and 15ish tds through the air. His #1 receivers barely have more yards and scores than TEs in other programs. When was the last 1000 yd receiver? If he’s ever even had one?!

And he’s scratching his head trying to figure out why kids don’t want to come here!

 

[The-Hack]

We have not had an exodus of players of any quality.

We have brought in All-Conference type players from G5 and FBS.

Our Transfer QB is a former 5 Star, from UGA.

We brought in collegiate AA linebacker from UGA.

With just over a month until the 1st NSD, we are ranked 19th, with 8 four Star commitments.

Our recruiting by every objective measure is better than that which led to our Citrus Bowl victories. We have far more 4 Star/Top 300 type players on defense than can see the field at the same time.

Stoops has raised money.

And that money has helped increase our recruiting profile.

Simply put, the wins have not followed in a linear fashion.

 

[LosGatos]

Generally n pro baseball (no salary cap like NIL) the teams that spend the most do the best. That doesn't mean you win the world series a ton but it gives them a chance. The small market teams have an uphill climb.

Same thing n college football with NIL. It also doesn't mean you should lose so many home games in a row and doesn't excuse losing to vandy and SC at home and a bad auburn team and so on. UK should be able to eek out 6 to 7 wins every season even n this era due to ooc cupcakes and some winnable sec games.

Yep, agree with your baseball comparison. Perhaps Mark needs to read "Moneyball". Our bb coach seem to have all ready taken it to heart.

 

[Catluv]

Stoops has gone full blown blaming the decline of the program on not having money to buy players now......

- Skips over recruiting and developing players (especially Oline)
- What about the money spent on Vandagriff.....was it lack of $$$ or Bush/Stoops are way below the rest of SEC offensive minds.
- What about losing to Vandy, USC, Auburn, Florida.....was is talent or maybe some terrible game coachign that we performed so badly.

If this is Stoops stance in year 12....what is the point of bringing him back for next year.s


Stoops on Ky and Free Agency

“It’s just part of college football. Now, we’ve got to continue to build it with a foundation of high school recruiting and recruiting and developing those guys, but you’ve got to supplement it with the transfer portal. That’s something that — that’s the area where I have to and we have to do a better job,” he said. “I don’t want to get into it, I don’t want to whine about it, don’t want to cry, but I’ve been busting my tail trying to raise money, you know?

“Again, I don’t want to cry. It’s just — that’s what it takes, period. The end. Like, you’ve got to have it.”

Kinda flawed thinking on BV maybe there was a reason he almost never played at UGA.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Stoops is not alone with those statements, Kirby does the same thing, Day is doing it, Drinkpwitz is. Only a handful getting all they want. BV turned 2m down from AU to come to UK, Dumas-Johnson wasn't free but I dont know his other offers.

Stoops may need to go, but I don't think it should be for wanting a level playing field.

 

[K_TIME]

Kinda flawed thinking on BV maybe there was a reason he almost never played at UGA.

Maybe Brock is a bust....but maybe he's covered up by a NFL caliber QB in Carson Beck. Who knows.

But you could have literally said the same thing for Will Levis in 2021....so maybe we have a crap OC/QB in Bush vs. losing Coen.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

The issue is theyre spending nil on guys then letting those guys hold them hostage. Much of that is on lack of offensive continuity but much of it is desperation in overpaying and pampering guys because we need them, which goes back to lack of continuity.

Just look at defense. Every guy on defense plays hard. Guarantee guys like childress arent making much but their effort is elite. Same with other guys. Hell max came back to play in that sh1t game. You can bank on the fact the defense is making way less nil too.

Fix the offensive situation. Find a flexible guy that can perform with a talent deficiency and stick with him. Stop babying skill offensive guys on the nil front. Stop caring about nfl draft picks etc.

 

[mrschwump]

I’m tired of hearing about money and all the other excuses.

Half the top 25 maybe more are programs that don’t have anymore money, resources, fan support, etc than UK.

He ought to try scoring. Put some points on the board and see what kind of talent you attract.
His offenses average about 2,000-2300 yards and 15ish tds through the air. His #1 receivers barely have more yards and scores than TEs in other programs. When was the last 1000 yd receiver? If he’s ever even had one?!

And he’s scratching his head trying to figure out why kids don’t want to come here!

Pretty sure Wandale Robinson was a 1000+ yd receiver.

 

[Catluv]

Maybe Brock is a bust....but maybe he's covered up by a NFL caliber QB in Carson Beck. Who knows.

But you could have literally said the same thing for Will Levis in 2021....so maybe we have a crap OC/QB in Bush vs. losing Coen.

Will was hurt almost the whole last year. I thought he played hurt better than BV has played at any time so far. BV did throw a great ball against ole miss. He would probably do better with a better Oline and looking for someone other than Key every play.

 

[WildcatforLife1965]

Listen, this O line sucks. The guys brought in from the portal just suck. Then there’s Burton who hasn’t gotten any better in his time here. The O line can’t be bought. Continuity and continuous improvement are what makes either side, O or D, thrive out there. The penalties this year, lack of execution, lack of focus, mental errors, there’s no way to keep Wolford. John Schlarman was an absolute genius and a great coach. Quit trying to buy or rent an O line and develop them. This is the main reason the QB has suffered this season as well. Malachi Wood is a building block, I’m hoping Keenum develops into a useable Center. The rest of the line is patchwork at this point.

 

[The-Hack]

John Schlarman was an absolute genius and a great coach.

He had some high Star talent, like Landon, but mostly players with modest offer sheets. He turned out at least half-a-dozen former unknowns into AA’s and/or drafted linemen.

Frankly, I am convinced his passing and Jon Sumrall’s departure sucked a whole lot out of this program.

 

[The-Hack]

John Schlarman was an absolute genius and a great coach.

He had some high Star talent, like Landon, but mostly players with modest offer sheets. He turned out at least half-a-dozen former unknowns into AA’s and/or drafted linemen.

Frankly, I am convinced his passing and Jon Sumrall’s departure sucked a whole lot out of this program.

 

[southindycat]

I think he's trying to save what he can. It's not very eloquently put, but I understand. If they don't find funding, there'll be a exodus of players and things will worsen.

Maybe some major sources of help have lost interest after seeing ROI on last two major transactions???

 

[southindycat]

I think he's trying to save what he can. It's not very eloquently put, but I understand. If they don't find funding, there'll be a exodus of players and things will worsen.

Maybe some major sources of help have lost interest after seeing ROI on last two major transactions???

 

[UK CAT in FL]

This has been a very weird and disappointing season. To go from winning at Ole Miss on the road to all the losses at home, somehow I think there is more to the story. There has to be more going on internally team wise, though I've not read anything indicating internal problems, than just coaching flaws.

 

[FirewithFire]

It's like Calipari put on a fat suit, a skin wig, and started coaching football.

The more Stoops talks the more they sound alike. If Stoops needs the cream of the talent pool in order to win then he needs to gtfo out of Kentucky right now because this state is to poor to finance his piss poor coaching ability. That's how it really is.

 

[K_TIME]

The issue is theyre spending nil on guys then letting those guys hold them hostage. Much of that is on lack of offensive continuity but much of it is desperation in overpaying and pampering guys because we need them, which goes back to lack of continuity.

Just look at defense. Every guy on defense plays hard. Guarantee guys like childress arent making much but their effort is elite. Same with other guys. Hell max came back to play in that sh1t game. You can bank on the fact the defense is making way less nil too.

Fix the offensive situation. Find a flexible guy that can perform with a talent deficiency and stick with him. Stop babying skill offensive guys on the nil front. Stop caring about nfl draft picks etc.

So who are you referring to on offense....sounds like your laying this at the feet or Barion and Dane.

1. Dane has had a really good season...so while I hated some of his antics (pushing helmet for personal foul crap)....he's more than delivered.
2. Barion...he's a flawed athlete at WR...


But unless you're arguing the Oline has NIL guys that are pampered....or QB (reportedly Brock got $2M)....who all else is the problem on offense?

We have our most explosive RB (Wilcox) that we run few plays for.
We run in Wimsatt off and on....and he's been an utter disaster.
This offense is scoring less than the Scangerello rebuild of 2022....but we have a more experienced Oline, Dane/Barion were Fr...so they are older. I see a massive coaching problem with Bush looks in over his head (as he was at Mizzou), Stoops is clueless on offense and Wolford will not develop any Olne kids to save his life.

I think it's more about the coaching than it is players IMO.

 

[Cats192]

The issue is the coaching is @$$ cheeks.

We're the most undisciplined team in the SEC. We routinely make huge mental mistakes and have had more stupid penalties than I can count at this point. The lack of discipline isn't the same as a lack of talent. We're talented enough, we should have won 2 or 3 more games.

Poor discipline is a direct reflection on the coaching staff.

All the $$ in the world isn't going to overcome Stoops.

 

[GJNorman]

He should use his 9 mil salary. Put it good use

 

[trueblujr2]

We have not had an exodus of players of any quality.

We have brought in All-Conference type players from G5 and FBS.

Our Transfer QB is a former 5 Star, from UGA.

We brought in collegiate AA linebacker from UGA.

With just over a month until the 1st NSD, we are ranked 19th, with 8 four Star commitments.

Our recruiting by every objective measure is better than that which led to our Citrus Bowl victories. We have far more 4 Star/Top 300 type players on defense than can see the field at the same time.

Stoops has raised money.

And that money has helped increase our recruiting profile.

Simply put, the wins have not followed in a linear fashion.

A lot can happen in a month and that class (which is still ranked in the bottom half of the conference) can fall apart quickly. He's just going to have a much tougher sell to transfers and recruits if we miss a bowl game and the enthusiasm around the program is sour.

 

[trueblujr2]

Stoops is not alone with those statements, Kirby does the same thing, Day is doing it, Drinkpwitz is. Only a handful getting all they want. BV turned 2m down from AU to come to UK, Dumas-Johnson wasn't free but I dont know his other offers.

Stoops may need to go, but I don't think it should be for wanting a level playing field.

I think that's what most of us are saying. The talent we have on paper isn't equating to the wins we expect from that talent level. That's not for a lack of effort recruiting, That's a coaching issue. How is that best rectified?

 

[BradleyCrawford08]

He’s not wrong; so pony up!

Not ponying up a damn cent for this BS. Put a better product on the field first and then try to drum up financial support.

 

[jeffky]

For whatever reason, we have not been recruiting and developing players on the offensive side of the ball. And that is what has led to this situation.

Line and quarterback have been god awful

 

[rick64]

Well whoop dee doo CMS. If you don't like it, then get out of the game like Saban, K, and Wright did. Or go find an NFL job, or just flat out retire and maybe get a TV job to keep a paycheck coming in. Otherwise do your effing job.

 

[The-Hack]

A lot can happen in a month and that class (which is still ranked in the bottom half of the conference) can fall apart quickly.

Those points were not a defense of Stoops: but a rebuttal regarding NIL and recruiting. We have enough star power to stay within two TD's of South Carolina at home, etc. Again, the classes that took us to the Citrus Bowl in 2018/19 were in the bottom 3 of SEC recruiting at the time. By every objective measurement (short of actual wins and losses) NIL and the transfer portal have allowed UK to average Top 20 talent since 2021, where we had been averaging mid-thirties.

Hence, it is a tad ironic that Stoops would whine about NIL, recruiting, etc. It is the one thing that has "improved" since 2020, at least by recruit rankings.

More than the remaining won/loss record, the final recruiting class will be a strong indication of whether the program with Stoops has potential to recover/advance.

 

[jeffky]

Why care we"re Kentucky we can't expect more useless dribble sit back and enjoy the shitshow okay

 

[Chad Rock]

Maybe Brock needs to take a page out of Marino's playbook and buy the OL some Isotoner gloves?

 

[catben]

Stoops and his coaches have done a HORRIBLE JOB evaluating the O-Linemen and QB’s they have paid big money for over the past 2 seasons.

So Coach Stoops, start holding YOURSELF accountable for bringing in players and paying them nearly ALL of our NIL money when they DON’T perform at the level needed to win here!!

Looks like your transfer players are doing to YOU what YOU are doing to the BBN, NOT earning the money you all are getting paid!!!

So quit WHINING and earn the money YOU and your players are being paid!!!