Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Joshua Paschal (4) returned an interception 77 yards in the second quarter as Kentucky played Mississippi State on October 10, 2020. Photo by Mark Cornelison
How did Kentucky go from no interceptions the first two weeks of the season to having six — second most in school history — against Mississippi State Saturday night in a 24-2 win? Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, a former defensive backs coach, said is was as simple as positioning and opportunity.
“We were obviously in good position and we had the opportunity to make plays today and we did. We tell the players that all the time. And, again, I don’t want to be beat up over clichés, but it’s like when technique and opportunity meet, you’re going to have an opportunity to make plays,” Stoops said.
Good technique put UK in position to make those plays?
“Our coaches had them in good position. I said that a week ago, that obviously when you get frustrated and didn’t play like we wanted to defensively, part of that is on us. Part of that is on the players. Everybody’s got to own their responsibility and their part. And today we were in good position,” Stoops said.
“Guys executed it very well. They used good technique and when they had the right opportunity, they made plays. We dropped two, at least two, probably as well, but maybe we got a pick on the same possession. I don’t know. But obviously some of those came a little bit late when it’s a bit of desperation for them. So, the last one or two there.
“But the first couple were major because you know it’s hard to just stop them completely from moving the football. They’re going to move the ball. But you’ve got to clamp down. You got to play good in the red zone. You’ve got to create some turnovers when you have the opportunity. So obviously it was a big, big piece of the game tonight were the turnovers.”
