It began with chirping by players on Kentucky’s defense. Then continued with an extended rant from a fan on coach Mark Stoops’ radio show on Monday night. In between that sandwich of frustration, the coach tried his best in several statements to hold his splintering team and fan base together.

The Wildcats have lost five straight after a 4-1 start, including the most recent defeat at Vanderbilt. The lack of offensive production the last two weeks led DT C.J. Johnson to voice his frustration after the game.

“The defense did outstanding in my opinion. So it’s just devastating to lose when you know you fought your heart out,” he said.

One major change is QB Drew Barker will get the start this week against Charlotte a week after Barker and former starter Patrick Towles combined complete 15-of-34 passes for 127 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Yet Stoops wouldn’t commit to Barker starting the next game against archrival Louisville.

“We’ve been talking about this for a long time and a lot of times it comes down to players around him making plays and doing things for the quarterback, but it’s time for Drew to get the start,” Stoops said at his Monday press conference. “That’s the bottom line. He’s done some good things. He’s earned the right and he’s going to start this week.”

Towles, a junior, tweeted his support for Barker, a four-star recruit who was redshirted last season.

Earlier Monday, Stoops stated his case for why frustrated fans should stick with the team.

“I completely understand the frustration of fans,” he said. “I want them passionate and I want them to care. I want them to show up and support this team. The tickets are bought and we need them in the stands. I’ve said it over and over again; I want to deliver.”

Monday night, he repeated that sentiment: “Don’t give up on these players and this team. They’re playing their hearts out.”

Yet the fans’ concerns stem from what could be a repeat of last year, and has already drawn comparisons starting with the losing streak. It doesn’t help when the team takes a delay of game penalty on a field-goal attempt then calls timeout from the punt formation. Last year, the Wildcats lost six straight including their season finale to Louisville. If repeated, that scenario would extend a bowl drought to five seasons.

“I know it’s been a long time since we’ve won, been to a bowl game and all those things,” Stoops said. “We know what we’re in for, but we’re going to hunker down, get back to work and get better.”

After the Vanderbilt game, LB Khalid Henderson said the only way to get out of this losing skid is to stay together.

“Go back to work, understand we could be doing the same thing we were doing earlier in the season, come out on fire,” he said. “But right now, your character’s being tested, and if you don’t rise above it, that’s what you’re going to get.”