Coming off an emotional loss against the Florida Gators, Kentucky football narrowly avoided defeat last weekend against Eastern Michigan, defeating the Eagles 24-20.

EMU’s quarterback Brogan Roback’s hail mary pass was intercepted by Mike Edwards in the end zone as time expired. The win improved Kentucky’s record to 4-1 overall, and is now preparing for six consecutive games against SEC opponents.

The first of those six games will be against the Missouri Tigers at Kroger Field this Saturday, Oct. 7. The game will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.

When asked about the Wildcats’ upcoming opponent, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said that his main concern was Missouri’s offense.

“The number one thing you always are concerned about when you play them is their offense and the tempo at which they play,” Stoops said. “I also, you know, their quarterback (Drew) Lock is as good as there is.”

Missouri is 1-3 on the season and is coming off a bye week. Stoops said the week off will leave the Tigers wanting to start the second half of their season differently. 

“I anticipate them coming out and playing extremely fast and backs against the wall and I know they’ll play well,” Stoops said. 

Jordan Jones remains out 

Kentucky linebacker Jordan Jones suffered a shoulder injury during the second game of the season against Eastern Kentucky. Jones has been left off the depth chart since the end of that game and is not listed this week against Missouri as well.

Junior Eli Brown has filled in for Jones since the injury and Stoops said Brown has done a good job so far but is a little banged up.

“He needs to eat right and lift in the offseason, get more physical, because he shows flashes,” Stoops said. “He’s very athletic, but now that he’s playing quite a few snaps, he’s getting banged up quite a bit as well.”

Stoops frustrated with Benny Snell’s performance

When addressing Benny Snell’s performance against Eastern Michigan, Stoops said there was some frustration coming off the loss the previous week. 

“There was some frustration that set in, I’m not saying just with Benny but just with the team that we have to address and work around,” Stoops said.

With Missouri coming off their bye week and Kentucky not having their bye until the week after the game against the Tigers, Stoops said that cannot be a factor this week.

“You drive your car to run it empty and then you refuel it,” Stoops said. “That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going run it empty this week and then we’ll refuel.”