Kentucky football news: Why Will Stein is 'not shocked' by upset win vs. Texas A&M
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Kentucky football news: Why Will Stein is 'not shocked' by upset win vs. Texas A&M appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fans could have easily fallen into the trap of underestimating Will Stein. The 36-year-old had never worked as a college head coach before jumping to the SEC and becoming the new man in charge at Kentucky football. When he jokingly urged fans to scream obscenities at Alabama and sneak flasks into the stadium to avoid long lines at the bar, some wondered if he was more of a character than a surefire successful HC. Well, Stein will stand mighty tall when he returns to Lexington.
The Wildcats earned a big 31-21 road win over Texas A&M on Saturday, in a game that was more lopsided than the final score indicates. They took a 28-7 lead into the fourth quarter and dazed the home crowd in College Station. Stein was obviously stoked, but not surprised.
“I’m not shocked. This is what Kentucky football is supposed to look like,” the Louisville native and former Cardinals quarterback told ESPN’s Kris Budden in his postgame interview, via Pete Thamel. “We were the tougher team tonight. That’s why we won the game.”
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
The Wildcats hung with Alabama until late in the third quarter of last Saturday’s conference clash, ultimately suffering a 45-17 loss on Kroger Field. They did not buckle this time, however.
Despite getting out-gained 423-408, allowing Texas A&M to average 5.3 rushing yards per attempt and committing seven penalties for 59 yards, Kentucky’s toughness indeed shined through.
Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey completed 14-of-18 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, CJ Baxter rushed for two scores himself, DJ Miller tallied a team-high 96 receiving yards, Sam Greene and Jordan Castell each picked off Marcel Reed, and the squad refused to let a boisterous Aggies fan base throw it off course. Will Stein has oozed confidence since his introductory press conference, and his players reflected that mindset on Kyle Field.
This commanding leader wants to remove the words “Kentucky is not supposed to win that game” from people’s brains. A decisive victory is a good way to start that mission. The Wildcats (2-1) will ride a massive wave of momentum back into Kroger Field for next Saturday’s home game against South Alabama (1-1).
Related: Dez Bryant sends message to LSU football before things get ‘ugly’ vs. Ole Miss
Related: Trinidad Chambliss picks LSU defense apart with clutch scrambling touchdown
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos