"Nothing Average" about No. 8 Alabama, Kentucky HC Mark Stoops Says

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sometimes, you have to learn the hard way. Nothing comes easy against Alabama.

For the first time since 2013, the Crimson Tide made the 459-mile trek to Kroger Field to take on Mark Stoops' Kentucky Wildcats. 

The Wildcats, coming off a 24-3 victory over Mississippi State, were hopeful for an earth-shattering upset in their quest for further jockeying position towards the AP Top-25. 

Early on, however, it was clear that Kentucky was outmatched and outmanned, as Alabama climbed out to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter. 

For Stoops, an early hole was simply insurmountable as the Wildcats sputtered for defensive stops and offensive yardage. 

"We didn't show up very well today, Stoops said. "Didn't get off to a very good start. Didn't get much better after that start. Give them credit. I think this football team is getting better and better, getting stronger and stronger as year goes on. I think they'll make a strong push here late. Very, very impressive win by them. I wish we would have executed better."

As the Crimson Tide continued their onslaught, Kentucky's decision making cost them, with a number of risks and third-down plays going the other way — including a fourth-and-goal stoppage in the second quarter.

"You know, in hindsight, we could have kept it a little closer earlier probably would've kicked a field goal," Stoops said. Like to see it 21-10, or 14-10 at some point instead of pressing and going for it, down three scores, we went for it and got nothing. That kinda hurts you as well."

On defense, the Wildcats couldn't seem to contain Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who posted 6 touchdowns in a herculean effort — dazzling with his dual-threat ability throughout the afternoon.

"We didn't get very good pressure," Stoops said. "We tried blitzing. We tried zero. We tried coverage we tried a little bit of everything, and to the credit, they made plays. They, you know, protected when they needed to. I think [Jalen] Milroe rose, he does a phenomenal job of buying time in the pocket and hurting you as such a threat to run it. Early he bought the time and hit the receivers downfield. We didn't convert very well on third down and move the ball consistently enough. So again, I think it's pretty cut and dry. Took care of business and I think we need to play a little better. And it's a tough matchup. It's a tough matchup for anybody."

For Stoops, Kentucky's consistently underwhelming performance versus high-caliber program has been a point of criticism, with some questioning the 11th-year head coach's ability to get his team ready for big games. Stoops, however, was quick to defer — noting that the Crimson Tide aren't just any other big-time team.

"You know, I think of team I think the ability of the team to get up is one thing, I think the ability to compete with some of the top 10 teams is another," Stoops said. "Some of these teams are one and two, you know, that's a little different than some of your average teams, but there's nothing average about that team."

To beat Alabama, you have to put on a well-rounded performance — something Stoops noted postgame.

"You know, it's gonna be tough sledding and against a team like that," Stoops said. "I think you have to be good in all areas. That can't just be the offensive line, or the running backs. You gotta get open. Make good decisions, we gotta get rid of the ball, and we can't have as many deflected, it would put you behind the chains. You get predictable or behind the chains against that group and it's not gonna look good."

When asked if he thought the Wildcats did enough to prepare amidst a dismal performance, Stoops answer was short and sweet. 

"Those dudes, they have something to do with it," Stoops said. "It's not like our guys aren't trying either. Those guys are pretty good."