LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs is a place built on pedigree. On paper. On past performance. But every so often, a longshot breaks through the pack, and everybody who doubted is left checking their tickets in the dust.

Mark Stoops is trying to be that longshot again.

He stood Monday in a room full of Kentucky fans, beneath the Twin Spires, and sounded a familiar tone, one that predates NIL deals and portal churn. He talked about toughness, togetherness, and maybe most of all, about belief.

"What I love most about this team is the team," Stoops said. "The strength of our team is going to be the team."

It was classic coach speak. But also, maybe, the only kind of speech left for a coach coming off a 4-8 season, who just watched half his roster walk out the door, and who now lea

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