Kentucky Names Redshirt Freshman QB Drew Barker Starter vs. Charlotte

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The wheels off the Kentucky offensive machine has slowly come crashing off in recent weeks seeing the team fall to a 4-6 record after a loss on Saturday to Vanderbilt. In the 21-17 loss to the Commodores, Kentucky could only manage 352 yards of total offense with 127 coming from the quarterback position in the passing game.

On Monday Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops decided to make a change under center tabbing redshirt freshman Drew Barker his new starting quarterback over Patrick Towles.

Towles has been the starter for Kentucky over the last two seasons throwing for 2,718 yards with 14 touchdowns against nine picks a year ago but is slumping during his senior season connecting on just 56 percent of his passes with a stat line of 2,077 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 picks tossed. Baker, an in-state product from Burlington, has played in parts of three games connecting on 13 of 19 attempts for 107 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions thrown for the season.

Both quarterbacks took the field against Vanderbilt over the weekend with Towles turning in a 10 for 26, 67 yard, and one interception thrown game while Barker, fairing a little bit better, hit 5 of 8 passes for 60 yards with one touchdown thrown and one pick tossed. Towles and Barker both picked up 26 yards on the ground against Vandy.

Kentucky started the season with high hopes but after a 4-1 start the squad has lost five consecutive games. The Wildcats have to win out to become bowl eligible with Charlotte and Louisville left on the schedule. The 49ers, members of Conference USA, are 2-8 overall this season and Louisville (6-4, 5-2) became bowl eligible on Saturday beating Virginia 38-31.

The Wildcats welcome the 49ers to Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday. The SEC Network is providing the coverage with a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Photo credit: vaughtsviews.com; No. 7 Drew Barker.