For some Wildcats, the battle for playing time isn't over. A poor performance against Toledo could send these players straight to the bench.
The season opener against Toledo isn't just the first game on the schedule; it's the final, high-stakes audition for several starting spots. While coaches preach that every position is a constant competition, the reality is that some leashes are much shorter than others. For these players and groups, a shaky performance on Saturday could mean a permanent seat on the bench for Week 2 and beyond.
Zach Calzada, Quarterback
All signs point to the seventh-year senior Zach Calzada getting the first crack at leading the offense. The job is his to lose, but the key word there is "lose." Behind him looms redshirt freshman and fan-favorite Cutter Boley. If Calzada comes out and looks indecisive, inaccurate, or—worst of all—turns the ball over, the calls for Boley will grow from a murmur to a roar. A multi-turnover game could force the coaching staff's hand before the final whistle even blows.
The running back room
Welcome to the thunderdome. The backfield trio of Seth McGowan, Dante Dowdell, and Jamarion Wilcox (with Jason Patterson also in the mix) is a classic "running back by committee." This will be a pure "hot hand" situation. There is no room for error. A fumble, a missed blocking assignment, or a series of carries for no gain could get a player yanked immediately. The back who runs the hardest and holds onto the football will earn the lion's share of the carries, while the others could quickly find themselves phased out of the game plan.
The entire offensive line
Yes, them again. While they are a key to victory, they are also on the shakiest ground imaginable. With about eight players legitimately vying for five starting spots, the coaching staff will be scrutinizing every single snap. A lineman who consistently gets beat in pass protection or fails to get a push in the run game will stick out like a sore thumb. A player like Malachi Wood or Jager Burton (who can play multiple spots) could easily slide into a struggling player's position, and once that door opens, it may not open back up.
Aidan Laros, punter
You can’t forget special teams. Aidan Laros is expected to handle the punting duties, but Australian specialist Wilson Berry is waiting in the wings. The fascinating wrinkle here is style. Berry excels with a rugby-style kick, a technique special teams coach Jay Boulware reportedly dislikes. However, if Laros has a few shanks, short kicks, or a critical mistake, Boulware’s stylistic preferences might go out the window in favor of simple effectiveness. A bad punt at the wrong time could be all it takes to trigger a change.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion