Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson will miss the remainder of the season because of a left knee injury, and in many ways, the timing couldn’t be worse with the Florida Gators next on the schedule.

But the Wildcats appear to have a lot of confidence in backup quarterback Sawyer Smith. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops is also happy Smith is available to him.

Stoops raved about Smith being a good pickup for the program this past offseason, and that someone like him was “much-needed in case of this situation right here.”

Even with his first start at Kentucky coming against Florida, Stoops is confident Smith will rise to the occasion because he’s already played in some big college games. Stoops cited Smith’s intelligence, accuracy and deep throws as his best traits while also saying the Kentucky offense will be no different with Smith behind center now instead of Wilson.

Smith spent three seasons at Troy and went 5-2 as a starter quarterback last year.

Here’s what else Stoops said at his Wednesday press conference:

  • On recruiting Sawyer with Wilson on the team: Sawyer was looking for a fresh start, looking to play in the Power 5… with losing some QBs and Walker coming off some injuries he knew we had a need for him and he had a few years to play.
  • On Florida’s improvements from last year: They are very good team, much like last year… 2nd year with Dan and that system, Feleipe much more comfortable in the system… they are very talented and very well coached on all sides.on speaking with