University of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops has received the prestigious Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Presented by PNC Bank award. This award is given to a coach who led their team to a significant victory while embodying the pillars of scholarship, leadership, and integrity. Stoops previously received this honor earlier in the season for the Wildcats’ victory over then-No. 22/23 Florida.
Stoops led Kentucky to a 38-31 win over the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals on the road last Saturday, which is the highest-ranked win in his tenure. This victory also extended Stoops’ school records for most wins (73) and most wins against ranked opponents (13). It marks the fourth consecutive season that Stoops’ squad has defeated two ranked opponents. The Wildcats also earned the title of Cheez-It National Team of the Week for their outstanding performance.
The Wildcats also had some standout players in their victory over Louisville. Running back Ray Davis of San Francisco had a remarkable game, carrying the ball 14 times for 76 yards, including the game-winning 37-yard touchdown run. He also caught four passes for 51 yards, including two TD catches. Davis broke the UK single-season record for touchdowns with 20 and also broke the school record for most points scored with 120. Quarterback Devin Leary of Sicklerville, New Jersey, had a solid performance, completing 12 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Leary now has a total of 23 touchdowns this season, ranking second in the SEC in that category.
Receiver/kick returner Barion Brown from Nashville played a crucial role in sparking the Wildcats’ comeback win. Brown returned a kickoff for a score with his blazing speed, covering 100 yards to reach the end zone. This was his second kickoff return touchdown of the season and third of his career. He tied two school records with his performance and accumulated 250 all-purpose yards in the game.
Outside linebacker J.J. Weaver from Louisville made significant defensive plays to turn the game around for Kentucky. He chased down Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan from behind, stripping the football and recovering his forced fumble. Weaver also fell on a fumble caused by teammate D’Eryk Jackson, leading to a fourth-quarter touchdown by Ray Davis. Weaver was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the Governor’s Cup with eight tackles, two fumble recoveries, one caused fumble, and a quarterback sack.
Overall, Coach Stoops and his players showcased their talent and determination, securing a remarkable victory over a highly-ranked opponent. This recognition as the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week and the outstanding performances of players like Ray Davis, Devin Leary, Barion Brown, and J.J. Weaver highlight the strength and success of the University of Kentucky football program.
