Mark Stoops Unsure if Zach Calzada will Start vs. Eastern Michigan

Mark-Stoops-It-would-have-been-premature-to-replace-Zach-Calzada-with-Cutter-Boley-in-Week-1 — Photo via UK Athletics

Kentucky’s quarterback situation did not receive any clarity on Monday. Mark Stoops was unwilling to provide too many details on Zach Calzada‘s status ahead of Saturday’s game against Eastern Michigan.

Calzada was taken out of the Ole Miss game in the fourth quarter after suffering what appeared to be an injury to his throwing shoulder. The seventh-year quarterback winced when a pass sailed out of bounds on fourth down. Cutter Boley commanded the offense for the final two drives of the game.

During Monday’s press conference, Stoops was asked if Calzada will be healthy enough to play this week.

“I’m unsure,” said the Kentucky head coach. “He will not practice today.”

Prior to the injury, Calzada had only completed 50% of his pass attempts for 149 yards. There were plenty of folks at Kroger Field who were ready for a change, regardless of the injury.

“Zach understands there’s things that we all can do better, that he can do better. We probably left some plays on the field,” said Stoops. “He’s resilient. He’s been around; a little beat up right now, but he has to get himself healthy and get back out there as soon as he can. He’ll be fine.”

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Stoops was critical of Calzada’s play after the game, noting that some throws were there and he just didn’t make them. After watching the film, that feeling was confirmed. There were a few instances where players were open, and Calzada just didn’t get it to his targets.

“You can’t make those mistakes against the team that’s running for the playoffs and a very good SEC team. You can’t make those mistakes,” said Stoops.

If Calzada is healthy, will he still be the starter? Stoops did not wish to comment on that issue, but he did say this:

“I’m excited to see Cutter, and you know I say that about every every position. When somebody gets hurt, I never want to see a player get hurt, but when that happens about every time I’ve been up here, I say, ‘I can’t wait to see so and so play.’ Right? So don’t overblow that for a quarterback, like everybody does. I’m always excited for the next man up, and I’m excited to see Cutter, and Cutter will absolutely play.”

Want more Kentucky football intel? Join KSR Plus for access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.