Kentucky might be more than a spoiler under HC Will Stein

After the game, a fiery Stein spoke with ESPN sideline reporter Kris Budden about the unexpected (from the outside, that is) win.

"I'm not shocked," Stein boasted. "This is what Kentucky football is supposed to look like. We were the tougher team tonight. That's why we won."

As college football insider CJ Vogel noted, Stein, who spent the past three seasons as Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator, made a concerted effort to build Kentucky through the trenches by signing multiple upperclassmen transfer linemen.

The work paid off as Kentucky asserted its will after halftime, particularly during a dominant third quarter when it outscored Texas A&M, 21-0, and out-gained it, 196-20, to turn a 7-7 tie into a 28-7 lead.  Through three quarters, the Wildcats averaged 5.8 yards per carry, rushing for 140 yards on 24 attempts.

That second-half surge was particularly impressive after Kentucky wilted over the final two quarters last Saturday in a 45-17 home loss to Alabama, giving up 32 unanswered points after entering the half with a 17-13 advantage.

Following the upset win at Texas A&M, it's worth revisiting Stein's remarks at July's SEC media days. In hindsight, they recall Indiana Hoosiers national championship-winning coach Curt Cignetti's famous "I win. Google me" quote when being introduced in December 2023.

When asked by a reporter why he believed he "could win big" at Kentucky, Stein didn't hold back.

"I think because of me, to be honest," Stein said. "I know what it takes. I've seen it at the highest levels."

Saturday showed he wasn't all talk. In only three games, Stein is already changing the outlook for Kentucky football.