LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – It was Decision Day in Lexington. Joker Phillips named Maxwell Smith, a sophomore, his starting quarterback at the University of Kentucky. He won the job over senior Morgan Newton, who is coming back from shoulder surgery.
Three reasons why Smith was the right pick:
Reason #1
The offense looked like it was intended to go forward, not sideways or backward when Smith was in charge last season. Not only did Smith have a better completion percentage and yards per attempt average, he brought a better vibe. His performances against the Mississippi schools (combined 45 for 69, 457 yards, two TDs, no picks) suggested he could play quarterback in the SEC.
Actually, during a four-game stretch against Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Georgia, Smith completed 57.5 percent of his throws with four TDs and only two interceptions. He averaged nearly 193 yards per game passing. He looked like a guy who belonged on an SEC field. He had the size, the arm, the resolve.
That wasn't enough to win any of those games. But Smith should improve. He played last season without a redshirt year. And he figures to have more help.
Kentucky doesn't have the personnel to line up and overpower any SEC teams. The Wildcats need efficient quarterback play. Smith is their most efficient quarterback.
Reason #2
Fans prefer Smith. Folks started souring on Morgan Newton last season after he threw three interceptions against Western Kentucky. His high recruiting profile became a negative not a positive, a symbol of unrealized potential. If Newton starts and plays poorly this season, people won't blame the quarterback. They'll blame Phillips, who is already dealing with plenty of blame.
There will be cries for freshmen Patrick Towles and Jalen Whitlow. Ignore them. At least for the first half of the season. The SEC is not a safe place for a true freshman quarterback. Neither is a season opener on the road against a Charlie Strong University of Louisville defense.
There's plenty of time to evaluate the new guys. Now is too soon.
Reason #3
Players, especially receivers, seemed to respond better to Smith last season. He throws a crisper, more accurate ball. Receivers like that. Actually, they love it. They run their routes with more confidence. They make catches. Smith's passes are more likely to find their chests, not their knees or above their helmets.
In his bio in the UK football media guide, Smith said he enjoys cooking during his time away from the game. UK needs Smith to cook up more than the 15.8 points per game the Wildcats averaged last season.
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Word is that Joker Phillips will name UK's starting quarterback for the U of L game today.
