Mark Stoops knows exactly what kind of opponent is coming to Kroger Field this Saturday. And I think most everyone does as well.
“Texas is Texas,” he said bluntly. “They’re very good at every level — offense, defense, special teams. They’ve had a couple of tough games, but they responded with a big rivalry win last week. They’re playing very well.” That’s the kind of detail that really has Mark Stoops written all over it.
‘A ton of respect’ for Steve Sarkisian
The Wildcats’ head coach went out of his way to praise Longhorns coach Steve
Sarkisian, calling him one of the brightest offensive minds in the game.
“I’ve known him for a long time,” Stoops said. “We’ve gone against each other all the way back to when I was at Arizona and he was at USC. I’ve always had a ton of respect for him and the way he calls plays.”
That play-calling has been questioned this year at times with Texas’ offense sputtering and costing them in two costly losses. But the second half versus Oklahoma, where they rattled off 20 unanswered points, was the best they looked all year.
Containing Arch Manning
That offense that has struggled at times this year is now led by quarterback Arch Manning, whose calm maturity and playmaking ability have impressed Stoops. After a poised performance in the Red River Rivalry, where he went 21-of-27 for 166 yards and a touchdown, Manning is hitting his stride.
“He’s a very, very good football player,” Stoops said. “He’ll wow you with certain plays. He can make all the throws, in rhythm or on the run. You can see his confidence growing each week.”
Manning entered the season under enormous expectations, but Stoops says the young quarterback has handled it with grace.
“He didn’t ask for any of that hype,” Stoops said. “He’s just putting his head down, trying to get better. You can see why he’s confident — he’s a very good football player.”
Can Kentucky stop his momentum, or will it be a stepping stone to allow Texas to sneak back into the College Football Playoff conversation?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion
