After a 48-23 victory where sophomore Cutter Boley threw for 240 yards and the team's first two passing touchdowns of the season, most expected head coach Mark Stoops to officially hand him the keys to the offense. Instead, Stoops is choosing to take his time, at least publicly, leaving the all-important QB1 spot in limbo heading into a critical bye week.
When asked if it was time to name a starter moving forward, Stoops remained non-committal.
“I was pleased with the way he(Boley) operated,” Stoops said. “I really was. I don’t think it would be right for me to make that decision right here and now. We’ll get some time, look at it, and get back on the practice field.”
A tale of two quarterbacks
While the indecision may be frustrating for fans who want to see the offense rally around one leader, the choice is not as simple as the box score suggests.
- Cutter Boley (season, 1 game): 13-of-24, 278 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Zach Calzada (season, 2 games): 25-of-53, 234 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Statistically, neither player has been particularly efficient. The real difference, and the strongest argument for Boley, is the "eye test." Where Calzada often drifted backward in the pocket, Boley showed a willingness to step up and climb to make throws. His presence felt more confident, and his arm talent allowed him to push the ball downfield in a way Calzada did not.
While Stoops may want to analyze the film and keep his decision private, it needs to be made quickly behind closed doors. The bye week is the perfect opportunity to give the chosen starter the vast majority of reps to iron out the timing, communication, and execution issues that have plagued the offense all season. For a team desperate for an identity, clarity at quarterback is the first and most important step.
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. Micah 7:7. #UpTheAlbion