Kentucky football experienced dark, dark times before the arrival of current head coach Mark Stoops. There was a lack of talent in recruiting, inability to develop players over the course of four years and not many football games of which Kentucky was winning.

However, since Stoops’ arrival, the program has only improved each season. Coming into 2019, the team was certainly expected to take a step back considering how much talent the team lost to the 2019 NFL Draft.

While the team’s season opener against Toledo on Saturday started off slow, there were many new faces on the field for Kentucky who shined in the spotlight. Linebacker DeAndre Square, cornerback Brandin Echols and others all played exceptionally well on Saturday afternoon. Even returning players such as Kash Daniel, Calvin Taylor, Josh Paschal, Jordan Griffin, Lynn Bowden and of course Terry Wilson played nice games.

Stoops has absolutely recruited big names to the Bluegrass, but has also developed his lower-rated recruits into big-time names. Just start with Josh Allen and Benny Snell for example. If Kentucky can sustain excellence again this season, elite programs with head coach vacancies will most likely come calling for Stoops.

Of course, Stoops has every right to leave. But he also very well could stay, considering the well-deserved raise he just received from the school and how comfortable things are for the head coach. Regardless of what the future holds, here’s your daily reminder that Mark Stoops is working magic in Lexington.

Tweet of the Day

After being beat-out for the starting quarterback job at Alabama last season, Jalen Hurts transferred to play for the Oklahoma Sooners (a program whose last two quarterbacks won the Heisman Trophy). His season debut for the Sooners went quite well as he flashed that the sky is the limit for quarterbacks under Lincoln Riley.

Quickies

Stoops Talks Kentucky’s Win Over Toledo - Cats Illustrated

Mark Stoops was thoroughly impressed with his team’s effort to claim a season opening victory on Saturday against the Toledo Rockets.

CJ Conrad Signed to Giants Practice Squad - KSR

The former Kentucky Football tight end is getting his well-deserved shot in the NFL.

Verlander Tosses No-Hitter - ESPN

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander threw his third career no-no on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chair-backs Coming Along at Rupp Arena - KSR

The upper-level seating looks like it will be much more comfortable for this basketball season.

Hurts Light it up in Oklahoma Debut - ESPN

The Sooners new quarterback played one of the best games of his collegiate career to kick off his 2019 season with his new team.

Gordon Extension Put on Hold - ESPN

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon and the team’s general manager reportedly won’t discuss an extension until after the season, thickening the plot of swirling trade rumors.

Kyle Wiltjer Starts for Team Canada - KSR

The former Kentucky Wildcat is representing his home country during the FIBA World Cup.

JT Daniels Out with ACL Injury - ESPN

The USC Trojan quarterback tore his ACL and meniscus against Fresno State over the weekend.

Djokovic Out With Shoulder Injury at US Open - ESPN

The three-time US Open champion has withdrawn from the US Open.

Haden Signs Two-Year Extension With Steelers - ESPN

The Pittsburgh Steelers have locked up their top cornerback for additional seasons.