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Mark Stoops destroyed for 4th-quarter decision-making in loss to Georgia

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Mark Stoops had Kentucky on the precipice of history. The Wildcats were there, knocking on the door of a landmark upset against No. 1 Georgia in Lexington.

Then, it happened. With the Bulldogs clinging to a one-point lead late in the 4th quarter and the Wildcats holding the ball, Stoops elected to be conservative instead of going for the kill.

Instead of going for a 4th-and-8 just inside Georgia’s territory, Stoops elected to punt the ball away with just under 3 minutes to play. Kentucky did have all 3 timeouts at the time of the decision, but it never felt like the right call.

If the Wildcats converted, they would be mere yards away from the distance they would need to attempt a game-winning field goal. And failing to convert wouldn’t change what Georgia needed to secure a win which was simply gaining a few first downs.

The decision to play for field position ultimately backfired. The line of scrimmage for Kentucky’s 4th-down punt would be their own 47-yard line after a false start. Georgia would cross that mark of field position just moments into the ensuing drive, rendering the decision to punt utterly pointless.

Considering what was on the line, droves of fans and analysts alike shredded Stoops for his decision. It’s easy to do so with how terribly the plan backfired as the Bulldogs ultimately escaped with a 13-12 win.

Here’s how social media reacted to the decision-making:

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.

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