Over the last decade, the University of Kentucky has invested heavily in the football program, to the tune of $165 million between Kroger Field renovations ($115 million), Joe Craft training facility ($45 million), and Nutter Fieldhouse renovations ($5 million). Also, with the NIL guidelines set in 2021, fans and local businesses are donating to the program like never before.
This money has certainly helped Kentucky football reach a new level and accomplish feats that have not been seen in a half-century, or in some cases, never. However, it feels like the Wildcats have hit a ceiling as they struggle to take the next step, beating Georgia.
In three of the last six seasons, Kentucky has gotten off to a historical start with a matchup against Georgia to take a lead in the SEC East. Each time, the Wildcats look outmatched, losing by 17 points in 2018 and 2021, then 38 points this past Saturday.
What can help Kentucky get over the hump? Mark Stoops says more money.
During his weekly call-in show on Monday, some fans called in/texted their frustrations following Sturday’s embarrassing performance, to which Stoops responded by asking for more NIL support.
“I can promise you Georgia, they bought some pretty good players. You’re allowed to these days and ee could use some help,” Stoops said. “That’s what they look like, when you have 85 of them (referencing Georgia). I encourage anybody who is disgruntled to pony up some more.”
Kentucky was a 14.5-point underdog to Georgia, so the loss was not surprising. However, the Wildcats did not lose to Georgia by 38 points due to NIL money, they lost by that amount because they were ill-prepared and undisciplined. Given that Stoops is a top-10 paid coach in college football and the fans and university are giving to the football program like never before, people have the right to be upset with that performance.
To be fair to Stoops, what he said is true, but he said it at an incredibly bad time. If Kentucky wants to compete with a program like Georgia on a consistent basis, more NIL money is needed. However, is that feasible at a place like Kentucky, where football has been a secondary program for much of its history?
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