Kentucky Football: Players Who Shined Against Southern Miss

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Sep 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Drew Barker (7) drops back to pass the ball against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Barker

Drew Barker utilized the first half as his proving ground. He didn’t exactly set the tone for a full career—no single game can—but he showed exactly how much upside he has as a starting quarterback.

With all due respect to the previous generation, Barker is showing signs of being a massive upgrade over the quarterback who came before him.

Barker finished with 323 passing yards, four touchdowns, and an interception on 15-of-24 passing. He scrambled for a nifty 14-yard run, as well, thus displaying his well-rounded skill set as a playmaker.

For perspective, Patrick Towles, who started for Kentucky football last season, had zero four-touchdown games in all of 2015. Barker had four in the first game of 2016.

In the first quarter alone, Barker threw three touchdown passes, including long plays from 43 and 72 yards out. He made smart decisions, showed poise in the pocket, and trusted his playmakers to create after the catch.

This game doesn’t guarantee future success, but it’s one heck of a start for the Wildcats’ new man under center.

Next: Defensive Playmaker

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