Mark Stoops has done something at Kentucky that few have been able to do there. Others have tried gimmick offenses (like the air raid), but Stoops has built a legitimate SEC OL and defensive front 7. They can compete in the trenches.
They did lose focus last year against UT. They had just come away from the most disappointing loss of their year having lost to UGA in a game that decided the East title.
Stoops had no talent when he took over the Wildcats (unlike recent TN hires), but he has recruited well and has really developed his players.
I doubt he would ever be interested in the TN job, though. UK fans worry a lot more about FSU come calling.