Stoops names Barker as Kentucky's starting QB vs. Charlotte

Posted November 16, 2015 6:00 am

The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has named redshirt freshman Drew Barker the starting quarterback for Saturday's home non-conference game against Charlotte.

Stoops announced Monday that Barker would replace junior Patrick Towles, who started Kentucky's first 10 games but has struggled in recent weeks. Both QBs played in last week's 21-17 loss at Vanderbilt but neither surpassed 70 yards passing as the Wildcats (4-6, 2-6 Southeastern Conference) dropped their fifth straight.

Barker completed 5 of 8 attempts for 60 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Stoops said Monday that "it was good to get him some more reps and get him some game experience. ... It's time for Drew to get the start. He has earned the right and he's going to get to start this week."

Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles passes against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.