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Kentucky coach Mark Stoops ‘pleased’ with QB Drew Barker’s first start
By Alex Zorn
Published:
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops came to the podium victorious Monday for the first time since Oct. 5. He praised freshman QB Drew Barker, who ended the Wildcats’ five-game losing streak in his first career start.
STOOPS: (Drew) looked very comfortable back there. He was just playing football. He needs more reps. With his first start, I was pleased.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 23, 2015
Barker finished the 58-10 win over Charlotte going 16 for 29 for 129 yards and no touchdowns. Not exactly a dominant stat line, but it was the Wildcats’ first game without an interception since Sept. 26.
The team hit a rough patch in 2015, losing five straight going into the game with Charlotte, but Stoops seemed fully aware of where Kentucky’s been and where the football program is heading as they prepare for the regular-season finale Saturday against rival Louisville.
Mark Stoops says he doesn't talk much to players about getting 6th win, says players understand what's at stake.
— . (@smosswkyt) November 23, 2015
Stoops: "We put ourselves in this position." https://t.co/qOp5e1Akjj
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) November 23, 2015
One of the many offensive problems facing the Wildcats this season has been the pass protection. Only two SEC teams have allowed more sacks than Kentucky’s 27. If the Wildcats want Barker to succeed, they’re going to need to protect him.
Barker was sacked twice Saturday, but the offensive line opened lanes that led to 415 rushing yards and 6 TDs. The best way to help compliment a passing game is with a better rushing attack.
STOOPS: Offensive line did a really good job. More physical at point of attack. Much better. Something to build on.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 23, 2015
Saturday, Kentucky plays for a bowl bid, needing to beat Louisville (6-5). Last year Kentucky lost the same matchup to the Cardinals 44-40 in the game that decides who the best football team from the state of Kentucky is.
STOOPS: Louisville is a well-coached, good football team on defense.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 23, 2015
Stoops: "We put ourselves in this position." https://t.co/qOp5e1Akjj
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) November 23, 2015
Though the final stretch of 2015 has proven to be nearly as difficult as 2014, Stoops remains confident in the program’s future.
STOOPS: We are getting deeper, we are getting better & we are going to continue to recruit great players and develop the ones we have.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 23, 2015
