Auburn football: Potent rushing attack and strong O-line should make Kentucky a tough out

This is a talented group for the Wildcats but ultimately, it’s one of uncertainty. Starting quarterback Terry Wilson was in line for a breakout season last year but a knee injury forced him to miss most of the season.

Wilson may not be the most polished passer but he’s a legitimate dual-threat and now a senior, the former JUCO transfer could be in line for a strong season in 2020.

When Wilson went down with an injury early in the season, the team turned to two options. The first option was backup QB Sawyer Smith who appeared in eight games and made three starts. In that time, the rising senior completed less than 50 percent of his passes and had more interceptions (5) than passing touchdowns (4).

The second option was a much more exciting one. The Wildcats gave wide receiver/running back/return man Lynn Bowden Jr. a legitimate shot at QB and he filled that role fairly well. However, Bowden, who was an All-SEC first-team selection in 2019, is now in the NFL.

Regardless, the biggest wildcard for UK will be the eligibility of former Auburn QB Joey Gatewood. After being stuck behind Bo Nix on the depth chart this past season for the Tigers, Gatewood decided it was in his best interest to transfer to Kentucky.

Usually, players have to sit out a year when transferring but Gatewood is attempting to get a waiver from the NCAA to play next year.

Gatewood is a former top 50 recruit and a legitimate physical freak at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. While I think his future is bright at Kentucky, I don’t think he will get the waiver he is looking for and even if he did, I’m not convinced that Stoops would turn away from his senior QB.