Mark Stoops previews matchup with Murray State

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops met with the media Thursday to discuss his team’s matchup with in-state rival Murray State of the FCS.

Stoops kicked things off by voicing how pleased he was with the team’s preparation this week.

“I’ve been very pleased with this week’s preparation. I felt like we had some really good practices. I’ve been pleased with our focus and our energy this week.”

When breaking down Murray State, two things stood out to Stoops: Screen plays and a talented quarterback. Stoops doesn’t want to let that slow his team down, but he does know they’ll need to be more prepared for those type of plays.

“They got to be anticipating some things. We don’t want to slow down. We still want to be aggressive, but they have to read that and retrace, and that’s team defense.”

As for Murray State quarterback Drew Anderson, Stoops sees a big arm.

“He had a big game a year ago you definitely see the talent in his arm.”

As for his own guys, Stoops talked about wanting to get some of the younger players some opportunities if the game allows it.

“Will see how it goes, but I would like to use a few guys just because we have to right now because of some injuries. Nothing major, but I would like to get a few guys in.”

By trying to get young players action, there’s a chance some of the starters may get a chance to get some rest.

One of those is star running back Benny Snell.

When asked if Snell would be on a pitch clock, Stoops said he would like to get the other guys more touches.

“I don’t know I’m not gonna put a number that right now. You never know how things are going to go throughout the game. We’ve talked about it all year, that we have confidence in the backs running in there as well. So we do anticipate using some of those guys here this week.

One player Stoops specifically wants to see more of is kicker Miles Butler, who is in his first year as the team’s starting placekicker. Despite already being two weeks into the season, Butler does not have a single field-goal attempt.

Stoops doesn’t want to see the team stop scoring touchdowns. However, he did express the desire to want to get a look at Butler.

“I’d like to get him some field goals. I’d rather see him kicking extra points, but I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity, and I’m confident in him when he does.

Stoops finished the presser by making it clear this weeks game won’t be a walk in the park.

“We’ve seen that before. Some teams that come in, fans think it’s going to be very easy, but that’s not always the case. They have some really good players.”

Kentucky will look to avoid an upset and to improve to 3-0 on the year this Saturday.

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