Kentucky football opens starting quarterback job for competition before Georgia game

[Matt Dillon]

LEXINGTON — Kentucky could have a new starting quarterback for its game against Georgia.

On Monday's depth chart, UK coach Mark Stoops listed the starting quarterback as "Terry Wilson OR Joey Gatewood."

"We'll see where everything is after a couple days," Stoops said, noting he hasn't had a chance to talk to Wilson or Gatewood yet because of Sunday's mandate off day.

On the season, Wilson, who has started every game in his UK career, has completed 61.4% of his passes for 602 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He has gained 251 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 61 carries.

Kentucky ranks 91st nationally in passing yards per game (124).

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2020/10/26/kentucky-football-joey-gatewood-could-start-vs-georgia/3686622001/

[Lighthouse]

OB competition can be a good thing or a not so good thing. It's refreshing to hear CS is at least considering a change. I just hope whatever he decides, works.

[catfaninin]

This seems like a case of the backup QB being the most popular guy on the team. There are many other, much more pressing issues. Namely receivers that don't get open or catch the ball and the heralded OL that doesn't seem to block anyone.

I don't think starting Gatewood would be any improvement. If it happens I would hope for tempered expectations. UGA has a very good defense. Regardless of who plays QB it likely will not be pretty to watch.

[Matt Dillon]

This seems like a case of the backup QB being the most popular guy on the team. There are many other, much more pressing issues. Namely receivers that don't get open or catch the ball and the heralded OL that doesn't seem to block anyone.

I don't think starting Gatewood would be any improvement. If it happens I would hope for tempered expectations. UGA has a very good defense. Regardless of who plays QB it likely will not be pretty to watch.

While I agree with most of your statements, I feel that Gatewood would be an upgrade at qb. For one thing, he throws a pretty ball but more importantly, for whatever reason, Wilson isn't running like he did before his injury. At 6'4" and 244 lbs., Gatewood should be able to hold his own with most lber's and punish corners and safeties.

[40bill]

Leg injuries on quarterbacks are bad news. Leg injuries on a quarterback that is counted on to run are nightmares.
terry seems to have his straight line speed back. His quickness and side to side movement seems to have lost at least a step or more. Pre season TW said this was enough, he didnt care for a redshirt attempt. While that is understandable in it's own right, it is just possible that football has lost some of the fire in the belly it did have.
injuries and kids to take care of will do that. So are receivers that cant hold passes in the hands or have to fight for a ball. AND so is a coaching staff that seems to have lost some confidence.

[Spiritof96]

This seems like a case of the backup QB being the most popular guy on the team. There are many other, much more pressing issues. Namely receivers that don't get open or catch the ball and the heralded OL that doesn't seem to block anyone.

I don't think starting Gatewood would be any improvement. If it happens I would hope for tempered expectations. UGA has a very good defense. Regardless of who plays QB it likely will not be pretty to watch.

The only possible improvement is if we are making bad reads in the RPO. (all those Terry runs for 2 yards)

I'm not sure that is what is going on, but it seems like the QB position is soaking up runs that should go to an RB.

[Dwight Schrute]

I'm not sure that is what is going on, but it seems like the QB position is soaking up runs that should go to an RB.

Seems like Eddie Gran got high on that Lynn Bowden option.

[catfaninin]

The only possible improvement is if we are making bad reads in the RPO. (all those Terry runs for 2 yards)

I'm not sure that is what is going on, but it seems like the QB position is soaking up runs that should go to an RB.

Agreed. This needs to be a power running team. No need to try to be so cute about it. Have the OL move people and hand the ball off. Get the ball in the hands of your best players. On this team that's the backs. It's not pretty or sexy. But with this line and backs it should be effective.

[catfaninin]

While I agree with most of your statements, I feel that Gatewood would be an upgrade at qb. For one thing, he throws a pretty ball but more importantly, for whatever reason, Wilson isn't running like he did before his injury. At 6'4" and 244 lbs., Gatewood should be able to hold his own with most lber's and punish corners and safeties.

Makes no difference how pretty it looks. Could have Montana back there but if the receivers dont catch it it doesnt matter.

When you have Rose, Smoke and Rodriguez I don't see the point of your QB having to go against linebackers or db's.

[Spiritof96]

Makes no difference how pretty it looks. Could have Montana back there but if the receivers dont catch it it doesnt matter.

When you have Rose, Smoke and Rodriguez I don't see the point of your QB having to go against linebackers or db's.

I agree about the pass-catching.

I'm not down on Gran but like others, I have concerns. My biggest concern is that EVERY offense in the country seems to be able to do basic throw catch passing and to create an easy 5 yard gain in their offense. We can't seem to do that AT ALL.

EVERYTHING looks hard in the passing game when we do it.

Terry isn't always making the throw and is sometimes off target, but how many times does he hit a reciever in the face, or hands and they don't catch it. I have never seen anything like it.

[Matt Dillon]

When you have Rose, Smoke and Rodriguez I don't see the point of your QB having to go against linebackers or db's.

When you run the RPO, or any option off., there are going to be times when the best option is for the QB to run the ball. The 1977 team ran some type of option off. (the Veer if I'm not mistaken) with a guy at QB (Derrick Ramsey) who went on to play TE in the NFL. Their regular season record was 10-1 with an undefeated SEC record and non-conference wins over a good No. Carolina team and a Penn State team ranked no. 4 in the nation at the time.

[catfaninin]

I agree about the pass-catching.

I'm not down on Gran but like others, I have concerns. My biggest concern is that EVERY offense in the country seems to be able to do basic throw catch passing and to create an easy 5 yard gain in their offense. We can't seem to do that AT ALL.

EVERYTHING looks hard in the passing game when we do it.

Terry isn't always making the throw and is sometimes off target, but how many times does he hit a reciever in the face, or hands and they don't catch it. I have never seen anything like it.

Correct on all accounts.

I just think they are over complicating matters and trying to be cute. Line up and run the ball. Then when the other team loads up to stop the run is the time for the 5-10 yard passes you mention. But not as an RPO. One quick fake, 3 step drop and throw the ball. The qb and receiver know what the play is. No reads, cute looking fakes etc.

These guys should be plenty able to execute a simple slant pattern.

[catfaninin]

When you run the RPO, or any option off., there are going to be times when the best opinion is for the QB to run the ball. The 1977 team ran some type of option off. (the Veer if I'm not mistaken) with a guy at QB (Derrick Ramsey) who went on to play TE in the NFL. Their regular season record was 10-1 with an undefeated SEC record and non-conference wins over a good No. Carolina team and a Penn State team ranked no. 4 in the nation at the time.

Sure it happens on occasion. My entire point is that the strength of the team is the RB and supposedly the OL. So if they are going to run the ball it should be the RB doing so.

[Lighthouse]

I guess it all points to who is capable. Our WR's have proven they're not capable of catching passes or getting open. Wilson has issues with decision making. However, our RB's have proven they are very capable and our OL has at time proven themselves. So...

[Blue Heaven]

These guys should be plenty able to execute a simple slant pattern.

Funny thing is, we utilized the middle of the field some against UT. This staff overthinks thinks sometimes.