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Stoops, players not satisfied with first scrimmage of fall camp

Posted at 9:38 PM, Aug 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-22 10:05:08-04

Lexington, KY (WLEX) | With just three weeks away from its season opener against Central Michigan, the Kentucky football was anything but thrilled after its first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday.

"I thought it was not good enough today. Not a good enough scrimmage," said UK football coach Mark Stoops. "I was disappointed to be honest with you, with the overall scrimmage. I felt like it was a bit flat. I expected more out of these guys across the board. I thought we were just sloppy."

His players feel the same way.

"You can definitely tell everyone was kind of down," said UK tight end Justin Rigg. "The energy wasn’t there but we’re definitely, the seniors and older guys, are seeing that and it will be taken care of."

The Wildcats are just 21 days away from their season opener. There has been a lot of optimism this offseason towards this Kentucky team, with a solid offensive line and defense returning. However, today was a little bit of an eye opener that may have brought the team back to earth a bit.

"That’s why we scrimmage," said UK linebacker Josh Allen. "We scrimmage to see in a game situation who makes plays and who’s not going to make plays. A lot of guys didn’t make plays so the coaches are going to watch the film and see if somebody behind them made a play. That’s just how it is. It could be a young guy, old guy, we’re here to take spots at every level and we’re here to compete against everybody."

"Today was average but it could be better," said UK offensive lineman Bunchy Stallings. "That’s how we got to continue each week, to get better this upcoming week and next Saturday come out and play like it’s September 1st."

That’s when Kroger Field opens for the 2018 season when Kentucky hosts Central Michigan at 3:30 p.m.