Stoops says if Kentucky wants to 'change the narrative,' it begins with Toledo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For a program used to the SEC meat-grinder, the name "Toledo" on the schedule isn’t going to elicit much fear. But Kentucky coach Mark Stoops says it better draw some respect for his players.

The Wildcats should have plenty of motivation. Nobody is expecting much of this UK team. SEC coaches picked the Wildcats to finish 15th in the 16-team league. Oddsmakers had Kentucky a 7.5-point favorite against a MAC team that was the No. 35 vote-getter in the Associated Press preseason poll – more points than Auburn, Florida State or Colorado.

"If we want to change the narrative," Stoops said, "then we have to go play well."

That narrative? That Kentucky underperforms in early-season matchups. That it gets tripped up by teams it’s favored to beat. That it starts slow. And that it isn’t expected to shake the doldrums of a 4-8 season.

Stoops, now in his 13th season at UK, is trying to shut down that talk. And he knows that how the Wildcats handle Saturday’s opener against Toledo will go a long way in shaping the storyline around this team.

And his message to the Wildcats this week has been that the threat is real.

Toledo, favored to win the Mid-American Conference, returns an experienced core from a team that went 8-5. The Rockets blew out Mississippi State on the road last year and won a six-overtime thriller against Pitt in their bowl game. Their starting quarterback, Tucker Gleason, can extend plays and convert in key moments with both his arm and legs. Their wide receiver group features multiple All-MAC selections.

"They’re a team you have to beat. They’re not going to beat themselves," Stoops said. "They’re very sound, very well coached."

Stoops said his own team’s consistency, not its ceiling, is what’s impressed him the most through fall camp.

"I feel like we’re playing cleaner football," he said. "I feel like we’re a physical football team again. I hope we can go out and prove that. I think we’ve worked hard.

Calzada wins QB job, but Boley showed promise

One major decision entering game week was settled last week and broke before Stoops’ presser: veteran transfer Zach Calzada will start at quarterback. But Cutter Boley, a redshirt freshman with a strong close to camp, made the decision difficult.

"It wasn’t what Zach wasn’t doing," Stoops said. "It was Cutter really playing well in particular down the stretch of camp. He just seemed more comfortable, more confident, playing at a higher level."

Both are expected to be ready. Stoops said the coaching staff has confidence in both quarterbacks — and given Kentucky’s schedule, he knows they may need them both.

Depth, roles still sorting out at WR and OL

The Wildcats' wide receiver depth chart features multiple "OR" designations, but Stoops said those are signs of competition, not uncertainty.

"I wouldn’t put anybody on there if I didn’t think they could play winning football," he said. "Some of it is just a rotational thing."

Kentucky’s offensive line will also feature eight players in the mix, including two true freshmen. Stoops said those young linemen will get reps, and while the starting five are locked in, UK wants to build depth early.

Special teams, defensive consistency a focus

A point of emphasis entering the season is field position and special teams, particularly with Ty Bryant stepping in as the team’s punt returner. A former baseball player, Bryant’s instincts and sure hands could help avoid the miscues that cost Kentucky hidden yardage last year.

"We lost some critical yardage last year not fielding punts," Stoops said. "Ty’s done a nice job. His baseball background helps."

On defense, Stoops said Kentucky must be disciplined and assignment-sound, particularly against a team that can hurt you when lanes break down.

"We have to play great team defense," Stoops said. "Our DBs have to cover. But our pass rush lanes have to be disciplined. That’s where the quarterback can really hurt you."

Season starts with a test — and a chance

It’s a new year, but Stoops is the same coach who treats every opener like a statement game. Asked what’s changed in his approach after 13 season openers, he said experience has helped him try to avoid past mistakes — but there’s only one way to find out where this team stands.

"I want to go see us play," Stoops said. "Our performance will dictate what’s said about us. And that’s what matters."

Kickoff is set for noon Saturday at Kroger Field.