'He's getting better': Cutter Boley is showing consistent improvement

Kentucky made an unexpected quarterback switch in Week 3 as starter Zach Calzada deals with a shoulder injury. That meant redshirt freshman Cutter Boley had his number called for a second time in two seasons. The former four-star recruit showed some legitimate growth in his second career start.

The Wildcats had their best passing performance in two seasons during the 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan as Boley completed 12-of-21 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Now all signs seem to point towards Boley making his first SEC road start in Week 5 when UK travels to South Carolina.

The young quarterback is using this early bye week to just get better.

“With Zach being in the situation that he’s in, just getting more reps in general. You can see him getting better. Just improving and being more comfortable but I’ve said that all the time,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told the media on Wednesday. “I’ve said that after every practice, right? For a young guy, each rep that he takes in a game or in practice he’s getting better. And he’s getting more comfortable.”

Boley struggled in his first career start against Louisville and never really looked comfortable. However, something changed during the offseason and the talent-rich quarterback started to settle in. During both open practices at the beginning of fall camp, Boley looked more in control and seemed to have a better feel for what Kentucky is trying to do on offense. That all played out in his first start as he protected the football and hit on some vertical throws down the field. The quarterback helped UK find the explosive play button.

Could the team now start to rally around the young quarterback? It sounds like like that could be happening.

“Sometimes there’s just enough of that that could be good. Right? The player has to go play well,” Stoops said when asked about Boley’s youthful exuberance. “Whatever their demeanor is, whatever their personality is, a lot of times players can rally around that. I think Cutter is a very likable person. He’s always had a great personality, and again, I think he’s getting more confident and more comfortable. The guys were excited to see him play.”

Kentucky is hopeful that excitement continues to lead to improved offensive results with No. 8 now leading the offense.