By Keith Taylor
Special to NKyTribune
It’s been five weeks since Kentucky has won a football game.
Mark Stoops hopes a switch from the grueling pace of the Southeastern Conference to a pair of non-conference games, starting Saturday against Charlotte, changes his team’s fortunes. Kentucky plays instate foe Louisville on Nov. 28 to close out the regular season.
The Wildcats (4-6) ended the conference schedule with five straight setbacks, marking the second straight year Kentucky has finished 2-6 in the SEC. Under Stoops, the Wildcats are 4-20 against conference opponents.
Stoops understands the frustration of the fans and was disappointed his team couldn’t overcome the recent string of losses in last week’s 21-17 setback at Vanderbilt. The Kentucky coach also hopes the fan base hasn’t given up on the season.
“I want them passionate,” he said. “I want them to care. I want them to show up and support this team. The tickets are bought and we need them in the stands. I have said it over and over again, I want to deliver. I wanted to win that game last week just to give people more hope and inspiration and get them here and cheer for these kids. Our players played their tails off.
“That was good to see and I know the Big Blue Nation loves that and loves it when we play with great passion and energy. They did that and we are going to do that again this week.”
In order to get back on track, Kentucky will depend on redshirt backup quarterback Drew Barker to pave the way. In a backup role, Barker led the Wildcats on a touchdown drive in his first series in the pocket last week in Nashville.
Stoops said Barker has shown leadership and an “ability to command the huddle” in preparation for his first collegiate start.
“He seems more comfortable and confident,” Stoops said Thursday. “I’m excited to watch him play. I know the team is and Drew is (excited to play). He has worked hard.”
Charlotte (2-8) is a newcomer in the collegiate football ranks and brings an eight-game losing streak into the contest. Although mired in a losing streak of their own, Stoops said the Wildcats will do everything they can to record a victory.
“I promise you, the team will come out inspired and ready to play,” the Kentucky coach said. “We understand where we are going, what we are doing and where we are headed. I know a lot of the good things we have done too. I know it’s been a long time since we have been to a bowl game and all those things, so we know what we are in for.”
Starting with Charlotte, Stoops hopes success in the final two games will result in a bowl bid for the first time since 2010.
“It’s important to play well, go out and play with great passion, energy and focus,” he said.
Heroes’ Day
Kentucky will honor active, reserve and veteran members of the armed forces, police, firefighters and first responders Saturday. The school will provide two free tickets to service members with a service ID beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at will call between gates 9 and 10.
A football-sized flag will be unveiled during the national anthem, which will be performed by Kentucky State Police trooper Billy Gregory. Kentuckians who gave their lives in the line of duty will be honored on the video boards during “My Old Kentucky Home.”
Game tracker: Charlotte at Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., Saturday. TV/Radio: SEC Network, 98.1 FM WBUL.
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports writer who covers University of Kentucky athletics for KyForward.com