In his postgame press conference, University of Kentucky head football coach had to work hard to stifle a smile. The Youngstown, OH native had just watched his Wildcats defeat the Austin Peay Governor’s 49-13 and get their 6th win of the 2016 season. And with that win, Kentucky becomes bowl eligible for the first time since 2010. In a season where the Cats got off to a dreadful start, losing against Southern Miss and performing a near no-show at Florida, and the Big Blue Nation knew exactly what his contract buyout entailed, Stoops performed a near miracle.
Stoops led the Cats to a 4-4 record in the SEC. The 4 conference wins and the non-losing conference record can only be classified as a rarity. Yes, the SEC outside of Alabama has been underwhelming. But, the SEC has had down years before and it’s still been 40 years since the Cats last non-losing conference campaign. It’s progress for the Wildcat football program. Wins over Georgia and/or Tennessee would have been a big leap forward, but for the first time in a long time, Kentucky is not taking a step backward.
For the first time in school history, the Wildcats have two 1,000 yard rushers in Stanley “Boom” Williams and Benny Snell, Jr. Snell, the outstanding freshman, no holds the school record for yards in a season (rushing) and total TDs. Starting quarterback Drew Barker was injured, and subsequently out for the year) and Stephen Johnson stepped in to help guide the Cats to a 6-3 record after the disastrous 0-2 start. And senior center John Toth should expect to see his name on a few post season award lists after anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for Boom and Benny to get their yards.
Certainly, there’s room for improvement for the Wildcat football program and I don’t think Mark Stoops would argue otherwise. But during the preseason, the goal was to reach a bowl game. And the Cats are there. After the rough start, the Cats are bowling. After losing their starting quarterback, the Cats are bowling. Honestly, the Austin Peay game was a perfect metaphor for the season. There was a slow start, but once the team got its footing, they were able to find their identity and enjoy some success.
JoJo Kemp, senior running back summed it up best after rushing for two TDs in his final home game: It wasn’t easy or pretty, but we did it. Yes sir. The University of Kentucky Wildcats are going to a bowl game.
