The Stoops Watch Is On; SEC Football Predictions

By Shane Shackleford

Notes from the drubbing in Athens: 

After the dismal 35-14 beating the Kentucky Wildcats endured Saturday afternoon to the Georgia Bulldogs, it’s apparent that the Mark Stoops era is ending in Lexington.  The Cats defense, the one bastion of hope that UK could hang around against the No. 12 Dawgs was quickly buried by a quick 14-0 UGA lead in the first quarter. 

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops (Photo by Wayne Mason)

The UK offense had a pulse for the first couple of series, eventually scoring on a Cutter Boley strike to tight end Josh Kattus to draw within a score at 14-7. 

Boley also looked pretty good in the two-minute drill, driving the Cats deep into Georgia territory before the half before Kentucky became Kentucky again. 

The Cats can’t get a play call in, forcing them to burn a timeout.  The play call was a route to the sideline corner of the end zone where the ball can’t get into.  The middle of the field to the end zone was wide open like a Kentucky pasture. Kicker Jacon Kauwe, accurate to a fault all season, shanks a 26-yard field goal, leaving the Cats with zero points for all the good work Boley did. 

Kentucky takes the second half kickoff and promptly goes three and out.  Georgia scores on their next two possessions and lead 35-7.  Good night.  Drive safely. 

It’s obvious.  This season is over as far as hopes of a bowl, six wins, or much of anything.  The schedule’s second half is Texas, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, Vanderbilt, and Louisville.  And a Tennessee Tech team that has been ranked in the FCS Top 25.  Oof. 

A 3-9 season is not a possibility: it’s a reality.  There is no way Kentucky football can go on in this way.  It’s time for a change.  Across the board.   

My Coaching Wish List 

Since no one asked me, I’d like to offer my wish list for the next coach of the Kentucky football program. 

Mind you, this is my list, and it’s a little unconventional.  Keep an open mind. 

First, I think a call must go to Tulane coach Jon Sumrall.  UK must make him say no. 

From there, my next list of three: UNLV coach Dan Mullen, South Florida coach Alex Golesh, and Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. 

My dark horses: BYU coach Kelani Sitake, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. 

I must think that someone out of this group bites. I would be content with any of these coaches.  What do you think? 

Week 7 SEC Predictions 

The old ball coach had a tough week, going 3-2 on his predictions. 

Florida at Texas A&M: The Gators are the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde SEC team.  Give them up for dead?  They beat Texas.  Easy night at The Swamp? They lost to South Florida.  Quite the opposite, Texas A&M has been steady and good all season, playing their way into the CFP short list.  Here’s thinking the Aggies hold serve in College Station.  Prediction: Texas A&M. 

Georgia at Auburn: The Bulldogs looked human Saturday, but human was easily enough to beat the Wildcats.  They go west to the Plains and face the other Jekyll and Hyde squad in Auburn.  The Tigers struggle on offense, just up the alley for the UGA defense.  Prediction: Georgia. 

South Carolina at LSU: The Gamecocks are good enough defensively to give the struggling Tiger offense some problems.  If USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers plays like Cam Newton 2.0 again like he did against Kentucky, this game could be interesting.  I think the bye week last week came at a good time for both squads.  LSU is tough in Death Valley, and they have the firepower to beat anyone.  Prediction: LSU.  

Alabama at Missouri: Here’s the trap game of the week for the conference.  The Tide rolls into CoMo off an emotional win over Vanderbilt.  The Tigers are explosive and good at home.  If I ain’t something, I’m interesting.  Here’s the upset. Prediction: Mizzou. 

Washington State at Ole Miss: I am passively interested in this game.  WSU has the reputation of a forward-thinking offense.  They will throw the ball all over the field.  But they don’t have the horses to play with the Rebs. Prediction: Ole Miss. 

Oklahoma at Texas: The Red River Rivalry.  The Sooners and the Longhorns.  The Texas State Fair.  History. Tradition. Arch Manning!  Well, maybe not that.  Honestly, Manning’s numbers aren’t awful.  But the weight of the last name gives him zero room for error.  At 3-2, Texas is now a borderline playoff team.  And they’re coming off a bad loss to Florida.  The Sooners are playing good football despite the injury to John Mateer.  Michael Hawkins Jr. isn’t a bad option.  Here’s thinking Sooners win in a classic.  Prediction: Oklahoma. 

Arkansas at Tennessee: Well, hello Bobby Petrino!  Insert joke here.  What isn’t a joke is Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green.  He’s a stud.  However, the Vols have Joey Aguilar.  He’s a stud.  Tennessee is solid and tough in Neyland.  Arkansas will compete, but can’t score enough to keep pace with UT. Prediction: Tennessee. 

Shane Shackleford is a regional sports columnist from Speedwell, Tenn.  He is the host of the webcast The Local Sports Coffee Shop and is also the author of Bounce: A Basketball Love Story (on Amazon) and the soon-to-be released 30 Wins, 2 Lessons: the 1978 National Champion Kentucky Wildcats.  Shane is a retired teacher and coach, married to Liz Johnson Shackleford, and dog dad to Lady, Blue, and Rupp.