Ahead of the primetime matchup in Lexington, KY tonight, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops took the podium earlier this week to preview the Wildcats’ clash with Auburn.
Stoops opened the press conference by praising Auburn and highlighted the constant struggle that Auburn has faced for the majority of the season.
“Auburn is a team, you look at the record, and everybody’s going to think that it’s a bad football team,” Stoops said. “Comes down to turnovers for them, they are a very good team. Turnover margin has been the big issue. For us, another big challenge. We have to worry about ourselves and getting better and putting it all together and playing a good football game.”
Historically, a Stoops-coached team is almost always led by an impressive defense. According to NCAA.com, the Wildcats currently rank 12th nationally in total defense and 18th in opponent rushing yards per game (104.7 yards). The Tigers will need to effectively move the ball through the air to counter Kentucky’s strong front seven, and Stoops knows that Auburn’s receiving core is a threat.
“They’re talented; they have a lot of explosive plays, and they can go,” Stoops claimed. “I think with (quarterback Payton) Thorne, he’s really settled in, and you see a confidence and a comfort level at the quarterback position, where early there was some instability, but I think he’s really solidified himself with some really talented receivers and a really physical, really talented, running back.”
When later asked about his relationship with Freeze, Stoops said they aren’t as “close” as he is with other coaches in the league, but reflected on what he has seen from Freeze and company -- both on the field and in recruiting.
“He’s a very good play caller. They’re an aggressive offense, and they have some dynamic guys. I know the way they recruit, and the team that he’s assembled, the weapons that are out there, so that’s real. There are some guys there. And I think, like I said, I really feel like they’re settled down at quarterback and settled in, and you can see that paying off for them, so they can create some explosive (plays).”
Stoops knows this will be a test for his team; Auburn hasn't lost in Lexington since 1966. He seems to expect a solid Auburn team to show up — a squad that is hungry for a victory — as the Tigers have just fallen short in almost every game this season due to self-inflicted mistakes.
“They had every opportunity to beat a very, very good Missouri team on the road and had every opportunity to win that game, and so you can see it coming.”
Kickoff between Auburn and Kentucky is set for tonight at 6:45 p.m. CST and will be televised on SECN.
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Gunner is a freshman majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in the fall 2024.
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