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

By foxsports
Published

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.''