Mark Stoops is making some noise in Lexington, and has for quite a few years now. When Kentucky one-upped Louisville in their 2016 shootout to advance to the Gator bowl, a hot streak began. Kentucky was a 28-point underdog in that game against Louisville, but defeated all odds. The following year, Kentucky turned in a winning 7-6 record. Following that, the Wildcats soared to 10-3 and an astonishing win over Penn State in the Belk Bowl. Last season, Kentucky somehow went 8-5 after losing their starting quarterback in the first quarter of the year.

Now, the Kentucky head coach is receiving the pre-season credit he deserves.

CBS Sports ranked Stoops as the 22nd-best head coach in college football for this year.

“ I don’t think it can be overstated how impressive a coaching job the 2019 season was for Stoops at Kentucky. This program entered 2019 with the highest expectations it had for itself in a long time and then watched injuries take away multiple quarterbacks. All Stoops did was change his whole offense to fit the talents of Lynn Bowden, and it was successful enough to finish with eight wins.”

- From CBS Sports

This year will again be many new faces, but also a few familiar names, too. Regardless of who is on the field, Stoops has now consistently proven he’s not just a football coach but a prestigious leader of men.

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Quickies

Ranking Comparisons: Terrence Clarke - Cats Illustrated

Evaluating Clarke vs. former Kentucky recruits.

How UK’s Offer Changed Owensboro Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt’s Recruitment - KSR

Kentucky started the snowball of power-five offers.

Michigan Proving to be Fertile Recruiting Ground for UK Football - YourSportsEdge

Damon Payne and Rayshun Benny are two more Michigan studs Kentucky is looking at.

Tom Brady, Bruce Arians perfect for win-now Buccaneers, GM Jason Licht says - ESPN

The NFC South could be very interesting this year.

Why Cowboys QB Dak Prescott didn’t ask for $45 million in Year 5 - USA Today

So it looks like Dak didn’t ask for the heavens after-all.

Robert Kraft’s Super Bowl LI ring garners $1.025M winning bid in All In Challenge - ESPN

Awesome gesture from the best owner in pro football.

Jets, Jamal Adams reach impasse in contract extension talks, sources say - ESPN

The Adams camp is upset, claiming the Jets are dragging their feet, sources said.

Rare Mike Trout rookie card sells for record-tying $900,000 - USA Today

A LOT of cash for a piece of paper.