Discipline the Key in Emotional Home Finale
In introducing himself to the Big Blue Nation, Mark Stoops didn’t hesitate to embrace the importance of Kentucky’s rivalry with Louisville.
Seven seasons spent building a program to the point where it is now bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive year have done nothing to deter that mentality.
“I don’t think there is any denying when you are playing a rivalry game that it is important,” Stoops said. “I have said that since day one. I understand the importance to our fan base and our community and our state and our team. It is always important.”
Now set to face the Cardinals for the seventh time under Stoops, the Wildcats have won the annual showdown for the Governor’s Cup two of the last three seasons. UK (6-5, 3-5 SEC) did so in dominant fashion a season ago in Louisville with a 56-10 margin of victory, but the Cardinals (7-4, 5-3 ACC) are a much different team in Scott Satterfield’s first season as head coach.
“Rivalry week is here and need to continue that and play a very good game here this week,” Stoops said. “Coach Satterfield and their staff have done a remarkable job this year. This team is playing hard and playing good, so we have to be ready for a big game.”
After starting the season 2-3, every game has been a big one for the Wildcats of late. It bodes well, then, that UK is 4-2 over that stretch having been competitive in every game and winning three in blowout fashion. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have won three of four games behind a big-play offensive attack.
“That’s the first thing that jumps out, is how many (big plays) they generate,” defensive coordinator Brad White said. “If there’s anything that keeps up a coordinator at night, especially a defensive coordinator, it’s a team that can go big at any moment.”
With both teams playing well and the recent and longer-term history of the rivalry that needs no rehashing, emotions will be undoubtedly be running high come noon Saturday at Kroger Field. Stoops knows those emotions must be channeled properly, and not just on Saturday.
“There’s going to be no problem getting our teams up, excited to play, but it is really about the discipline and the execution,” Stoops said. “That stuff goes out the window quick, it can hurt you. You want them amped up and ready in their prep, starting (Monday) and tuned in, having a great week of preparation.”
Saturday will mark the sixth straight year Kentucky-Louisville will be played as the regular-season finale for both teams, introducing another emotional variable for one team: Senior Day. This season, it’s the Wildcats’ turn to honor their veterans during the rivalry matchup, with 11 players set to be recognized pregame: Jordan Griffin, Ahmad Wagner, Elijah Barnett, Blake Best, Kash Daniel, Logan Stenberg, Mason Wolfe, T.J. Carter, Calvin Taylor Jr., Phil Hoskins and Ben Logsdon.
Players like Daniel, Griffin and Stenberg have contributed since early in their careers and remain starters, while Carter and Taylor have grown into stalwarts on UK’s defensive line. Taylor, in fact, is tied for the SEC lead with 7.5 sacks.
“It kind of hasn’t really hit me yet,” Taylor said, pondering Senior Day. “I guess running out of the tunnel the last time, it’ll really hit me. I would say just a lot of memories. Coming here as a freshman, an 18-year-old kid, and now being 22 about to leave, you really had your maturation process becoming a man.”
The group might not be as big in numbers as last year’s or have an all-time great like Josh Allen, but its impact is notable nonetheless. Those seniors now have one final chance to play on their home field, and the opponent happens to be UK’s biggest rival.
“This one has been equally as impressive with the way that they’ve helped us build this program,” Stoops said. “They had a lot to do with last year, all of them played. … These guys have been exceptional leaders and great players for us, so we’re excited to send them off with the last game of the year being at home against Louisville, be a big opportunity.”
