On Saturday at Florida Field, aka “The Swamp,” Kentucky faced a situation they’ve faced many times before. The Cats entered the game against No. 12 Florida, trailing just three points in the half.

But over the years, Kentucky fans have watched their teams compete against higher-ranked opponents for half the time, sometimes only to lose in heartbreaking fashion.

BREAKING – This is not the Kentucky of old. Instead of seeing the higher ranked Gators pull away in the second half, it was the Cats who made the big play in the second half hour to a 26–16 victory over Florida.

Sixty one! ! pic.twitter.com/NrKfGPoVFU

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) September 11, 2022

The Cats won the Swamp for the second time in three visits. The Cats beat Florida for the first time in 45 years (1976 and his 1977) in his second straight season.

Why is it important? It wasn’t long ago that Florida beat Kentucky to his 31st straight. Not just in Gainesville, but overall. That’s right, Kentucky and Florida have met in his 31st straight, and the Gators have won 31st in a row.

But that was before Mark Stoop arrived in Lexington. It was absolutely fitting that Kentucky surpassed Florida for Stoops’ 61st win as British head coach, breaking Hall of Famer Paul “Bear” Bryant’s school record. Lexington.

(In case you’re wondering, yes that’s Paul “Bear” Bryant).

Before Stoops came along, Kentucky was, quite frankly, not at the level of Florida. The Gators had won his conference and national championships in Southeastern, but Kentucky sometimes struggled to post a . 500 record.

Stoops is not someone who focuses on individual achievements. But after the game, he told ESPN’s Katy George what passing Bryant meant to him.

“Good luck,” said Stoops. “Many great players and coaches have passed through here, and I have nothing but respect and gratitude for their tenacity and perseverance through this difficult meeting.”

Stoops has methodically built a program in Kentucky. he adopted he developed a talent. He has built a culture. He, his coach, and his players have worked hard.

Saturday’s win was right down Stoops Alley. It was a defensive struggle for most of the night, and Stoops saw his defense make the winning two plays.

As the Cats tied 16-7 late in the first half, Jordan Wright intercepted Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson and returned the ball deep into Florida territory. The Cats scored a touchdown by Will Levis to be within 16-13 at the half.

The game was then tied at 16-16, with UK’s Keidron Smith intercepting Richardson and returning it 65 yards for a touchdown to give UK a full lead.

Stoops started his UK career with a 12-24 record over three seasons. Since then, he’s had his 49 wins with just his 29 losses. And it all led to Saturday’s moment when Stoops set a Kentucky record for the most wins in his football history.

But Stoops is Stoops, so he’ll be right back at work tomorrow and focus on Youngstown State. That’s how he built this program and how he passed the legend this night in Gainesville.