Kentucky Preparing for Unbeaten Tennessee Tech
Kentucky won its second consecutive Southeastern Conference game on Saturday, rolling past Florida 38-7 at Kroger Field.
On Monday, UK head coach Mark Stoops reflected on Saturday’s win over the Gators while also looking ahead to this week’s game. Stoops touched on the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday. While Stoops liked how Boley played, he could say the same thing about much of his squad on Saturday.
“Very good game by him,” Stoops said of Boley’s play on Saturday. “Across the board, the offensive line played very well once again, the running backs, the receivers are stepping up. Defensively, you can’t say enough good things. Coach (Brad) White, defensive staff and certainly those players. I have great pride in what they’re doing.”
Kentucky has now improved to 4-5 on the season with three games remaining. The Cats step out of SEC play this weekend to host FCS Tennessee Tech, which seems like a break from the rigors of playing in the nation’s best conference. However, the Golden Eagles will come to Lexington with a 10-0 record and a number six national ranking in the latest FCS poll. Stoops knows how good Tennessee Tech is this season and hopes that will motivate his team.
“I hope it really helps our team,” Stoops said. “Give them all credit. When you’re undefeated, it says a lot. You know how to win and these guys have done that, so credit to them. It should get our team’s attention.”
Stoops has been impressed with Tennessee Tech’s offense, which is one of the nation’s best on the FCS level.
“They’ve got a lot of experience across the board,” Stoops said. “They’re very multiple, a group that will get into quite a bit of sets.”
While Stoops believes that his team will be motivated by the challenge of facing an undefeated team, he also knows that the Cats have been able to internally motivate themselves this season as well.
“Our team has been very motivated with ourselves and trying to improve and trying to get better,” Stoops said. “If we continue that approach, then we’ll play well. The better football team you become, the better you’ll play each and every week.”
Kentucky will attempt to extend its winning streak this weekend against an undefeated Tennessee Tech team. Between the motivation of handing the Golden Eagles their first loss and continuing to improve, the Cats will be ready for Saturday’s contest.
