Mark Stoops 0-3 vs. South Carolina after comments about Shane Beamer’s program

The South Carolina-Kentucky rivalry was rekindled after Mark Stoops made critical comments about the Gamecocks and head coach Shane Beamer during SEC Media Days in 2022. Since then, South Carolina has dominated the Wildcats on the field, with tonight’s 31-6 victory marking their third straight win over Stoops and Kentucky — and their biggest away win during Beamer’s tenure.

The comments that fueled the rivalry

It all started in 2022 when South Carolina posted a viral video of head coach Shane Beamer dancing to Soulja Boy, which excited fans and recruits. While the video was well-received in Columbia, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops lashed out at the Gamecocks during SEC Media Days.

“It’s easy to change a climate. You just change a uniform, talk a game, dance around, put on some stupid sunglasses and you can change a climate. But to change a culture, that’s the key,” Stoops noted. His words may have seemed innocent at the time, but they have come back to haunt him, as the Gamecocks have adopted Kentucky’s number ever since.

2022: The turning point

South Carolina entered the 2022 game with a chip on its shoulder, facing the No. 13 Wildcats in Lexington. Despite being underdogs, the Gamecocks pulled out a 24-14 victory, shocking Kentucky on their home turf. After the game, South Carolina players and staff celebrated in the locker room by dancing to Soulja Boy and wearing Pit Viper sunglasses, a nod to Stoops’ comments.

That season, South Carolina continued to climb, posting big wins against top-10 opponents Tennessee and Clemson. By the end of the year, the Gamecocks tied Michigan for the most top-15 wins in the country.

2023: A tough win in Columbia

The 2023 rematch was held in Columbia, and while both Beamer and Stoops downplayed the “beef,” the tension was clear to see. In a hard-fought contest, South Carolina once again emerged victorious, winning 17-14. The win cemented Beamer’s hold on the rivalry, with Stoops once again unable to live up to his 2022 comments.

2024: Biggest road victory under Beamer

Fast forward to tonight’s game in Lexington, and South Carolina delivered a statement win, 31-6. Not only was this the Gamecocks’ third straight victory over Kentucky, but it also marked the biggest away win during Beamer’s tenure at South Carolina.

While Stoops flirted with taking the job at Texas A&M during the offseason, he ultimately stuck with Kentucky, likely not expecting to lose to the Gamecocks again. With the win, South Carolina extends their dominance in the series, having won 17 of the last 25 games dating back to 2000.

Conclusion:

What started as a war of words has turned into a lopsided rivalry on the field. Shane Beamer’s South Carolina team has proven they’re more than just hype, showing that culture is more important than climate, and Stoops’ Wildcats just can’t keep up.

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