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Here are the highlights from Kentucky coach Mark Stoops’ weekly press conference on Monday.
Stoops told the media that Jojo Kemp will start at running back over Boom Williams in this Saturday’s game against Eastern Kentucky based on how he performed in the 21-13 win over Missouri last Saturday. Kemp rushed for 66 yards on 13 carries, and he helped the Wildcats bleed the clock on the last drive to preserve the win.
However, Stoops added that he needs to meet with Williams, who was spotted walking back to the locker room as Kentucky celebrated its win. Williams didn’t record a carry after the 8:41 mark of the third quarter.
Stoops says Jojo Kemp earned the starting nod at RB, no issue with Boom Williams, although he did say he needs to meet with him today.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) September 28, 2015
As for QB Patrick Towles, Stoops was very pleased with how he bounced back from his disappointing performance against Florida (8 of 24 passing, 126 yards, two interceptions) with a stellar game against Missouri (22 of 27 passing, 249 yards, two touchdowns).
Stoops said Towles was really good vs Mizzou. Added that he was an "easy target" for critics after FLA game when a lot was going wrong.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) September 28, 2015
Stoops was also pleased with how Kentucky fought back against Missouri. The ‘Cats took their first lead in the game with 1:58 left in the third quarter.
Stoops on resolve vs. Missouri: Our resolve has shown all year. Said the approach is improved and more consistent.
— Gary Graves (@GaryBGraves) September 28, 2015
Kentucky athletic spokesman Tony Neely said Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Joey Kraemer, who died in a single-car accident over the weekend, will be honored during pregame activities. Stoops offered his condolences.
Stoops willing to do "anything to bring peace to him and his family" on Eastern player who died in auto accident.
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) September 28, 2015
Kentucky faces Eastern Kentucky this Saturday. The schools seem to have bad blood between them after they were involved in a fight-filled night in January. Stoops won’t put up with any bickering when the teams meet.
Stoops said he'll address the off-season incident between UK and EKU players early this week and won't have any tolerance for "any BS."
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) September 28, 2015
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
