Beau Allen (UK Athletics Photo) UK Football Preseason Practice 2020 Photo by Jacob Noger - UK Football
Maybe he was just saying it but Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Monday that true freshman Beau Allen was “in the mix” for play at quarterback Saturday when the Cats host Georgia. With UK’s offensive struggles most of this season, maybe Stoops knew he better not rule out anyone after his team was embarrassed 20-10 at Missouri. But don’t forget that the offense was every bit as bad in a win two weeks ago over Mississippi State and equally bad the first half of a win at Tennessee.
Terry Wilson has started every game and backup Joey Gatewood has played in the last two games. Allen has yet to play in a game.
“It’s difficult, as you can imagine, to get three guys game reps during the week, getting them game ready. That part of it is tough because all the quarterbacks need the reps. They need the looks and that’s where it gets,” Stoops said.
“There’s a fine line there with running our receivers into the ground but also getting the looks for the quarterbacks at game speed. It’s hard getting three quarterbacks looks but he’s been impressive. I’ve said that from the beginning.”
Yes, both Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran have praised Allen since practice started. But I don’t think anyone really thought it might get to a point where he would play over Wilson and Gatewood. Yet the way UK’s offense has sputtered has to make anything possible the last five games.
“He’s a guy that definitely has some great ability and anticipation and can throw the ball, so we’ll see where it goes,” Stoops said. “It’s hard to get three guys ready but yes, he is in the mix, he is getting reps. He has been impressive, so we’ll see where it goes.”
My guess is that it goes back to Wilson Saturday to give him a chance to find the spark he had in 2018 and if he sputters, then Gatewood might get his chance to start in two weeks against Vanderbilt following an open date.
Yet if Stoops really wants to jump start the passing game, he has to at least give Allen some looks.
