Kentucky’s Quarterback Suffers Knee Injury
When the Cats starting quarterback went down with an apparent knee injury Saturday night the entire Big Blue Nation held their collective breath. Many held out hope Kentucky was only taking precautionary measures and he would be ok. However, that turned out not to be the case as Terry Wilson is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee.
A Tough Loss For The Cats
https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1170520198308421637?s=20
Word came early Sunday evening Wilson indeed suffered a major injury which would require surgery.
Full update on Terry Wilson pic.twitter.com/ACyK5GuXRM
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 8, 2019
In two years at Kentucky Wilson led the Cats to a 12-3 record, including a 10-3 mark last year. That season was capped off by the school’s first New Years’ Day bowl win since 1952, a 27-24 win over Penn State.
Wilson was off to a great start in 2019 completing 63 percent of his passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he added another 44 yards and a score on the ground. One facet of the game Wilson greatly improved on from a year ago is turnovers. Last season he had issues with fumbles and so far this year he had none.
A redshirt junior this year in theory Wilson should have two years of eligibility remaining. However, since he already used a redshirt he would have to apply for a medical one granting him a sixth year. It’s a tough break for someone who was really starting to come into his own as an SEC quarterback.
The Next Man Up
With Wilson out for the year the Cats now look to graduate transfer, Sawyer Smith. In a bit of irony, the former Troy quarterback now finds himself in a similar situation.
Smith completed nearly 63 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions last season for the Trojans. This after he was inserted into the starting role following an injury to Kaleb Barker. In addition, he added another 191 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Smith threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-32 win over Buffalo in the Dollar General Bowl. Not only was the bowl game his last at Troy, but also turned out to be the last for Coach Neal Brown. On January 5th Brown left to take the job at West Virginia replacing Dana Holgorsen. In the win against Eastern Michigan Smith threw for two touchdowns and 76 yards on nine passes.
At the time of Smith’s transfer, it was seen as a great pick up by the Kentucky coaching staff. As a result of Wilson’s injury, that move looks even bigger now. Going forward redshirt sophomore Walker Wood appears to be the back up to Smith. However due to injuries he has never played in a game.
Behind Wood you have to think Kentucky would look to Lynn Bowden should something else unfortunate happen. Bowden played quarterback in high school and completed a 32-yard pass to Wilson in the win over Eastern Michigan. With Bowden in the backfield, one would think you would see a healthy dose of the Wildcat.
Looking Ahead
After two relatively easy wins against teams from the Mid-American Conference business really picks up for Kentucky. There is going to be no gradual building a rapport with the receivers for Smith. Over the next three weeks, the Cats host Florida, who are eager to for payback after Kentucky ended a 31 game losing streak last year. Following the Gators, the Cats travel to Mississippi State and South Carolina. The next three weeks could go a long way in determining Kentucky’s season.
Again Kentucky starting quarterback Terry Wilson is out for the season following a torn patellar tendon. Stay with us here at Last Word On College Football for a complete preview of the Florida contest.
