Kentucky Football: How To Defeat New Mexico State Aggies

1. Helping Drew Barker

If only for two quarters against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Drew Barker looked like the next great Kentucky Wildcats quarterback. He threw four touchdowns in the first half, thus giving Big Blue Nation a rare reason for optimism.

In the six quarters that have followed, Barker has zero touchdowns, four interceptions, and an extensive period of play that suggests he’s not the right starter.

Barker completed just 20 percent of his passes against the Florida Gators. He threw more interceptions, three, than completions, two, in what was one of the worst and most inefficient performances in Kentucky history.

The New Mexico State Aggies aren’t exactly an elite defense team, however, which opens the door for Barker to find his rhythm.

If the Wildcats establish the run, then the chains will move and Barker’s job will become significantly easier. The other key will be for Barker to trust his receivers and find them on short to intermediate routes.

With speedy options to get the ball to in Jeff Badet, Garrett Johnson, and Tavin Richardson, as well as big targets in C.J. Conrad and Kayaune Ross, Barker should trust his receivers.

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If Kentucky executes in these five phases, it will secure an elusive first win.