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Mark Stoops at Monday presser: ‘It’s time for Drew to start’
By Alex Zorn
Published:
No coach in the SEC has more of an uphill climb to end the season than Kentucky coach Mark Stoops. After starting 4-1, Kentucky is in danger of missing a bowl game after dropping five straight.
Monday, Stoops took the first necessary step to ending the slide: He announced that freshman quarterback Drew Barker would start over struggling Patrick Towles.
Wildcats fans are eager to see what the 4-star pro-style quarterback can do.
STOOPS: Drew (Barker) is going to start this game. It was good to get him some more reps and game experience.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
STOOPS: It is time for Drew to get to start, that is the bottom line. He has earned the right and he is going to start this week.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
Stoops says Barker has progressed to the point "that I'm excited to see him play." https://t.co/XScdhYdd7Y
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 16, 2015
It’s a move the coach had to make with Towles completing fewer than 41 percent of his passes for 163 yards and three INTs in Kentucky’s past two games.
STOOPS: Drew is going to get his opportunity. If he takes it and runs with it, then we'll know (going forward about QB starter).
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
During the five-game losing streak, Towles has seven INTs to just one TD.
STOOPS: Drew is not going to have a short leash. He will have a chance to go through some ups & downs.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
Stoops opened Monday’s press conference by giving a much needed shoutout to his defense. They gave up just 301 total yards and allowed Vanderbilt to convert only 6-of-17 third down plays.
STOOPS: Defensively, we played an outstanding game (at Vanderbilt). Outside of (deception play), defense played really well.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
STOOPS: I completely understand the frustration of fans. I want them to come out & support this team. I want to deliver.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
STOOPS: I anticipate our team will come out very hungry and ready to play (vs. Charlotte).
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 16, 2015
Saturday’s game at home against Charlotte (2-8) is as close to a must-win as an SEC game against a C-USA opponent can be. Kentucky closes the regular season against rival Louisville.
If Kentucky ends its year on a seven-game losing streak (after ending 2014 on a six-game losing streak), Stoops’ status will be very much in jeopardy.
