Center Eli Cox (75) and UK's other offensive linemen have to be "stout" against Iowa. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Mark Stoops was not ready to say who he would start at quarterback against Iowa in the Music City Bowl but he did acknowledge Friday it was “very important” to keep the offense wide open in today’s game.
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis and star running back Chris Rodriguez both opted out of the bowl game to start preparing for the NFL Draft.
“The first thing that you have to look for is just command, the guys that can operate the offense, move the football. It’s going to be a great challenge with the Hawkeyes. They do a great job defensively,” Stoops said.
Most bowl projections forecast a low scoring game. Stoops says Kentucky has “one of the best defensive coordinators in the country” in Brad White but also praised Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
Stoops will go with either true freshman Destin Wade or redshirt freshman Kaiya Sheron at quarterback — or maybe both. Sheron started against South Carolina when Levis did not play. Wade has not played in a collegiate game.
“It will be a challenge, but our quarterbacks have looked good. Both of us, we’re going to play a quarterback that’s inexperienced. We’ll see where it goes. I think both of us will tell you it’s very important to play well around them,” Stoops said.
“We have some guys with experience that have played that need to step up and do the best job that they can to help the quarterback out.”
That means Kentucky needs its offensive line to play extremely well to open lanes for running backs and protect an inexperienced quarterback against a stingy, opportunistic defense.
“Definitely something that, no question, will be a point of emphasis for us because you know how stout, you know how physical Iowa is. This year maybe we hadn’t been as physical or as consistent as we’ve been in the last three, four, five years. It’s an area where we must step up. We have to,” the Kentucky coach said.
“We have to play well in that area or it won’t lead to too much success, so we better play good in the trenches. I have confidence in our guys. I feel like we’re healthy. They’ve worked hard. We’ve tried to make sure we put them in a position to be successful, simplify some things, make sure we don’t beat ourselves, number one.
“When you’re playing a team like this, expect somewhat of a defensive game, you better be making sure you’re putting your guys in a position, not going backwards in turnovers and sacks and things of that nature.”
Once again he mentioned the opportunity young players who have played little — or not at all — might have in the bowl game. He mentioned four players — all on offense — specifically.
“(Receiver) Jordan Anthony is a guy that jumps out at you with great speed. (Receiver) Brandon White, another player that’s redshirted that may have some opportunities to create some plays. Hopefully they’ll do some things,” Stoops said. “There will be some others as well.
