Mark Stoops does not usually get sentimental on live television, but Saturday night was different. After Kentucky gutted out a 10–3 win at Auburn to earn its first SEC victory of the season, Stoops’ usual calm postgame tone gave way to a sigh of relief, gratitude, and a rare glimpse of emotion.
“Just a team effort,” Stoops told SEC Network’s sideline reporter, Alyssa Lang, after the final whistle. “So happy, so proud. We have been getting better. We have been up and down, like a lot of people. It is tough. I am just grateful for this team and these players.