Taking the field in Athens, redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley faced another daunting challenge in his young career. While Georgia’s defense didn’t need to unleash its full arsenal of pressures, the game provided the clearest look yet at the talent, fire, and correctable flaws of Kentucky’s quarterback of the future.
The stat line and the positives
Boley’s final line was respectable on the surface: 25-of-41 for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He demonstrated command in the pocket, spreading the ball around to 11 different receivers and showing a nice touch on several sharp throws while rolling to his right.
His connection with Kendrick Law was a bright spot, as Law emerged as a go-to target with six catches for 64 yards and a score. Boley also found tight end Josh Kattus for a rumbling 29-yard touchdown.
He had poise in the pocket and moved around to make defenders miss at times. His presence is something you have a really hard time teaching, so it is nice to see it.
The red flags and areas for improvement
While the positives were encouraging, some negative trends are beginning to emerge. The interception Boley threw means it is his fifth game with at least one INT in his last eight games, a worrying statistic for a team built by Mark Stoops to prioritize ball control.
He also continues to struggle when rolling to his left, a common issue for right-handed quarterbacks that leads to awkward throwing angles and mechanics. Finally, while his passion was evident when he screamed at center Jager Burton to snap the ball, his composure in high-pressure moments remains a work in progress. But you would much rather he be too amped up than not enough.
A milestone in a stagnant offense
Despite the flaws, Boley accomplished something significant. He became the first Kentucky quarterback to throw for multiple touchdown passes in a power 4 game under offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan. In an offense that has consistently struggled to finish drives, that milestone suggests Boley possesses the ability to elevate the unit in ways his predecessors could not.
Final grade: B-
The performance was a mix of promising talent and mistakes that show his youth. The flashes of arm talent and leadership were undeniable, but the rising turnover numbers and the need for improved situational execution show there is still major work to be done. He just needs the coaching to help elevate his game.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion