Nancy Turner
Nov 25, 2023 - 10:30

upset No. 10 Louisville rank Mark Stoops best Kentucky football wins

Kentucky's 38-31 upset over No. 10 Louisville clinches a winning season, but was it Mark Stoops' best win?

Kentucky's recent victory over No. 10 Louisville was a significant milestone for the team, securing a winning record for the 2023 season and extending their winning streak in the Governor's Cup rivalry to five games. This win marked just the second time in Mark Stoops' 11 seasons as head coach that the team has defeated a top-10 opponent, raising the question of whether this was Stoops' best win at UK.

Looking back at other notable victories during Stoops' tenure, the 2016 win over Louisville stands out as a close comparison to the recent upset. In 2016, the Wildcats were just beginning their run of success under Stoops, while the 2023 team is fighting to stay relevant in a competitive SEC. The victory over Louisville this season may have dashed the Cardinals' hopes of reaching a New Year's Six bowl game, pending their performance in the upcoming ACC championship game.

Another memorable victory for Stoops and the Wildcats was their win over Florida in 2018, breaking a 31-game losing streak in the series. At the time, Florida was ranked in the top 25, and their subsequent No. 8 national ranking at the end of the season only added to the significance of the win.

The Citrus Bowl win over Penn State in 2019 was a historic moment for the Wildcats, marking their first 10-win season since 1977 and showcasing the potential of the program to reach new heights. This victory was made even more special by standout performances from UK legends Benny Snell and Josh Allen in their final games.

The emotional win at Neyland Stadium in 2020, which was dedicated to beloved offensive line coach John Schlarman, was another memorable moment for the Wildcats. Despite the 2020 Tennessee team's record, the game held deep significance due to Schlarman's battle with cancer and his passing shortly after the game.

Finally, the Citrus Bowl appearance in 2022, which saw a come-from-behind win led by Will Levis and Wan'Dale Robinson, raised expectations for the team in the following seasons. While the team has faced challenges in meeting those expectations, the significance of this victory remains undeniable.

Overall, Kentucky's recent win over Louisville adds to a series of memorable victories under Stoops' leadership, showcasing the team's resilience and potential for success in the future.