Mark Stoops made a bold move for Kentucky football, and it paid off handsomely as they upset No. 5 Ole Miss 20-17 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff connected with Barion Brown for a crucial 63-yard completion on fourth and 7 from Kentucky’s 20-yard line, setting the stage for a game-winning score, capped by a fumble recovery by Josh Kattus in the end zone.
Stoops expressed immense pride in his team’s effort and emphasized the significance of the victory, reflecting the hard work invested over the years. “I know it’s one game, but it’s important because of the work that’s been going in for a long time. So proud for our fan base. They deserved a win like that,” he stated.
This win stands among the highlights of Stoops’ 12-year coaching tenure, joining previous victories such as the 2022 Citrus Bowl against Iowa and a notable upset over Florida in 2018. The decision to go for it on fourth down, trailing 17-13 with just over four minutes remaining, was challenging for Stoops. “Your analytics will tell you to punt it,” he noted, but he felt confident about taking a chance with Brown.
The aggressive call was a departure from Stoops’ usual conservative strategy, especially after a recent loss to Georgia where he opted to punt in a similar situation. He noted that he had to steal a possession against a potent Ole Miss offense. This bold move surprised even Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who praised Stoops for stepping out of character during a critical moment. “Good throw and good play by them. We had a chance to stop them and didn’t,” Kiffin commented.
After the crucial catch by Brown was made despite tight coverage, Stoops reflected on his faith in Brown’s ability to make the play. The Wildcats were then fortunate when Kattus recovered a fumble, securing the win. Stoops acknowledged the importance of smart ball security going forward.
Looking ahead, Kentucky (3-2, 1-2 SEC) has a break before their next matchup against Vanderbilt on October 12 at home, allowing the team extra time to celebrate this landmark victory.
The celebratory atmosphere was palpable, reminiscent of past jubilations as Stoops joined his team in a locker room crowd-surfing event after the game. Receiver Dane Key remarked on the excitement, highlighting the positive vibe when Stoops was in the air.