Mark Stoops addresses Kentucky QB situation entering Tennessee game

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops isn’t ready to reveal who will start for the Wildcats at quarterback on Saturday against Tennessee.

Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff has started every game for Kentucky this season, including last weekend against Auburn, but he struggled and was benched at halftime after going 9-17 for 120 yards with an interception in the first half.

Vandagriff was replaced by Gavin Wimsatt, who actually fared even worse, going 3-10 passing for 34 yards and an interception.

Mark Stoops was asked Thursday about the plan at quarterback for the Tennessee game and how reps have been divided up this week during practice.

“Um, you know, we’ll see. I don’t really necessarily need to give that information away right now,” Stoops said.

He was also asked how Brock Vandagriff has reacted after being benched in last week’s 24-10 loss.

“Brock has been fine. Brock, you know, really doesn’t ever change his demeanor too much,” Stoops said. “He pretty much always just puts his head down, goes to work and does the best he can.”

It will be interesting to see if Kentucky makes a change at starting quarterback or sticks with Vandagriff against the Vols.

More on Kentucky QB situation entering Tennessee game

Earlier in the week, Mark Stoops explained what led to him making the quarterback change during the Auburn game.

“No health situation. Just wanted to get a good look at Gavin and see if he can help us move the ball,” Stoops said. “I don’t want any headlines on that. Gavin has been playing all year. We had planned on putting him in the third series of the game. But we moved the ball very well in the first two.

“You’d be asking me why in the world did I take [Vandagriff] out when we were moving the ball. You know what I’m saying? I think we judge that and say we are moving the ball pretty good, let’s stick with what is going right. We went three and out and you know, that’s it.”

Wimsatt’s role has been limited with the ‘Cats this season, typically coming into the game in short-yardage situations or when Kentucky is in the red zone. Wimsatt isn’t nearly as consistent of a passer as Vandagriff, only completing 46.3% of career pass attempts.

However, he’s a talented rushing threat and tallied 11 touchdowns in the ground game last season. Unfortunately for Wimsatt, he didn’t appear to be the answer to Kentucky’s offensive woes on Saturday.