The Third Phase of the Stoops’ Era

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

And for the few cynics left who claim our mediocre past should not be used as a measuring stick for Stoops’ success, I would ask, “why not.”

Stoops’ elevation of the program over the mediocrity of the prior 50 (70) years is the strongest indicator I could think of, showing a capacity to do even more.

Using the golf analogy, I bet few golfers hit in the 90’s and drop to the 70’s rapidly.

Speaking from experience, sigh....

 

[Cobb4uk]

It has helped that during this second phase other programs in the East have been in decline or turmoil…Tenn seems to be getting their crap back together, jury still out on Beamer at SC, now Florida seems to be taking dip…the next phase has to include playing Tenn and Florida close to even (we have given away several games to those two teams that we should have won during the Stoops era so far)

Oddly over 60 years of football, well since the Bear left, your saying no one else has had any turmoil and the only reason we're winning is because everyone else is down, well, I say BULL. Why can't people see that Stoops hasn't just changed the culture of our football program but the BBN fan base also, football matters now even to most basketball fans. He's made the state proud with consecutive bowl appearances. Now, this years recruiting class, the best in our history with more 4 star players than 3 star players, He's set another standard, players for all parts of the country. We're now a destination for great high school players, out recruiting the likes of Bama, Michigan, Penn St., Ga., as well as others. We have come a long, long way in a few years and will continue to rise, not because the East is down or in turmoil but because we have talent and the coaches to stay competitive in most any game. PLEASE GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE.

 

[Cobb4uk]

Yes. And the continuous progression, even with a small step back in wins is essentially what I am talking about.

Some few point to an individual loss or two, to suggest Stoops has reached his ceiling.

As late as October, one poster suggested Stoops’ ceiling was 8 wins . . . though he had won 10 in 2018/19, and still had a good shot at it in 2021/22. [Hell, the simple fact that we now have the put a “slash” describing our seasons as rolling over to January 1st is a pretty stunning development.].

And I guess my thinking of “phases” is a refutation of putting a ceiling on UK Football with Stoops. If in his early years he can lift a moribund program to winning seasons, isn’t it reasonable to hope/assume a future with ten wins?

And with double-digit winning seasons, is it not reasonable to hope and expect Top 15 classes; and when that is achieved, to hope and expect for even more?

A small but persistent fraction of fans seem to think Rome was built in a day, that Stoops should be far ahead of our current status, etc.

I believe we are headed to the very top, but recognize that “steps” or “stages” had to be achieved to get us where we are, and are still needed to get us where we are headed.

Preach on brother many are listening.