Mark Stoops on Lamar Jackson: "He's absolutely a phenomenal player"
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The biggest test for Kentucky’s defense awaits Saturday when it travels to face No. 11 Louisville.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, who accounted for 316 yards and three touchdowns against the Wildcats last season, looks to continue his Heisman Trophy campaign against Kentucky. Jackson has passed for 28 touchdowns and completed 57 percent of his passes, along with rushing for 19 touchdowns during his sophomore season.
When meeting with the media on Monday afternoon, Mark Stoops said he isn’t sure if anyone has a good idea on slowing down Jackson.
“He’s absolutely a phenomenal player,” Stoops said. “What I admire most about Lamar Jackson is you could see his leadership and you can see his toughness, just watching some of their games and we had an opportunity to watch throughout the year on TV and of course on film you don’t see it as much, but on TV, you can just tell how strong he is and what type of leader he is.
“He’ll run or throw or make a good decision and will his team to win, so you have to have a lot of respect for somebody like that.”
Louisville was in the conversation for the College Football Playoff prior to last week’s 36-10 blowout loss to Houston. The Cardinals (9-2) have defeated Kentucky five straight times.
“They’re a very good football team,” Stoops said. “Very well coached, very talented across the board. There’s really not a weakness on that team. They’re strong everywhere, very good defensively, extremely dynamic offensively and so it’ll be a challenge, but we’re excited about it.”
The Wildcats reached bowl eligibility for the first time since 2010 by defeating Austin Peay 49-13 on Saturday. Each of the past two seasons, however, Kentucky’s bowl hopes came down to defeating Louisville. The Wildcats lost both games despite leading by double-digits in both games, and as many as 21 in last season’s game.
Stoops said there is some relief not having to worry about beating Louisville to make a bowl game, but he likes where his team stands regardless.
“We want to play our best football,” Stoops said. “We talk about it every week. Hopefully we’ll put it together and play a great game this week. We’re going to need to. I feel good about our team. I feel good about where they’re at mentally. Physically we’re in good shape.”