Ohio Starting QB Parker Navarro OUT vs. Kentucky

Aug 31, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Ohio Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro (13) drops back to pass against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Kentucky is playing a backup quarterback. A week after UCF transfer Parker Navarro was pulled in a win over FCS Morgan State, Ohio is rolling with Nick Poulos at quarterback.

Navarro was dressed but not actively warming up. Tom Leach reports on the UK Sports Network that he will spend the game on the sideline.

Navarro completed 68.5% of his passes through the first three games of the season. The issue was the number of incompletions that turned into turnovers. He has four interceptions this season, with three coming in last week’s 21-6 win in Athens.

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Without Navarro available, Ohio will lean on a running quarterback. Poulos is a relatively unknown commodity. During his brief stint on the field a week ago, the junior college quarterback completed 2 of 4 passes for 25 yards and he ran for 37 yards on eight carries.

A 6-foot-6, 234-pound running quarterback, Poulos is a big body to take down. Running back Anthony Tyus III, a Northwestern transfer, ranks in the top ten nationally in rushing yards per game after he went for 200+ and two touchdowns in the opener against Syracuse. Kentucky’s stout run defense will be put to the test against the Bobcats.