Kentucky's Mark Stoops on Georgia: 'They bought some pretty good players'
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops didn't mince words after his Wildcats suffered a 51-13 loss to Georgia on Saturday.
Sure, Kentucky got outplayed, but Stoops also pointed out there was another factor: The talent gap on the field.
At least partially blaming that on the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) financial, Stoops asked for more fundraising help from the Kentucky fanbase.
"I'd encourage them to donate more, because that's what those teams are doing. I can promise you -- Georgia, they bought some pretty good players," Stoops said Monday during an appearance on his weekly radio show. "You're allowed to these days, and we could use some help. That's what they look like, you know what I mean? When you have 85 of 'em. I encourage anybody that's disgruntled to pony up some more."
During Tuesday's practice, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he had "no reaction" to Stoops' comments.
In truth, Kentucky is on a pretty solid run on the recruiting trail, finishing No. 25, 23, 20, 30 nationally over the past four completed recruiting cycles - with its current 2024 class sitting at No. 22.
Still, that's a far cry from Georgia, which has completed that same stretch with the nation's No. 1, 3, 3, 2 and a 2024 class that is sitting at No. 1.
There's little doubt programs that have fully embraced NIL have seen the benefits on the recruiting trail, but it also should be noted that Georgia was competing for the nation's No. 1 spot - on the field and in the recruiting rankings - before the NCAA allowed for its athletes to get paid.
Were Stoops' comments following the loss fair, or was it an excuse?
Frankly, if it leads to more money from Kentucky boosters and fans, Stoops won't care how those comments are perceived.
