Patrick Towles named Kentucky's starting QB

Patrick Towles has regained his position as Kentucky’s starting quarterback, coach Mark Stoops announced Monday, after fending off a furious spring a preseason camp challenge from Drew Barker.

Towles started last season and completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 2,718 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also had 303 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

However, Towles' inexperience last year hurt him down the stretch as he averaged just 185 total yards in his final four games. That opened the door for Barker, a former four-star recruit, to make a push during the spring to earn the starting role.

But in the end, Towles experience won out.

"There's definitely times where I was uncomfortable last year during the season. And there's no denying that," he said. "Now, having a year under my belt, playing, I've been through it all. I've seen everything. I've been three overtimes in The Swamp and I've been toe to toe with the No. 1 team in the country. I've been there. Nothing's going to surprise me. So I'm excited about going out and playing."

Kentucky started last season 5-1 before losing its final six games by an average of 22 points. It opens the 2015 season on Sept. 5, against Louisiana-Lafayette.

For more Kentucky news, CatsIllustrated.com.

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