The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2014 season with a 5-7 record. The Wildcats ranked No. 63 overall in passing offense, averaging 231.2 yards per game.

But quarterback Patrick Towles struggled down the stretch, finishing with less than 200 yards, five interceptions and two touchdowns in his final four games. Head coach Mark Stoops confirmed that the position would be further analyzed during the offseason.

2014 quarterback: Patrick Towles, 2,718 yards, 14 TD, 9 INT, 57.3 completion percentage

2015 favorite: Still Towles, although the job is open heading into spring practice.

Others involved: Reese Phillips, rushing redshirt sophomore; Drew Barker, rising redshirt freshman.

Level of concern (1-10): 5 — Sure, Kentucky managed to surpass its win total from its past two combined seasons, but expectations should be higher in 2015. After starting 5-1, the Wildcats lost six consecutive games and fell one game shy of bowl eligibility. Stoops needs a successful third season to live up to his two contract extensions, the latest which was signed at the beginning of the Wildcats’ losing streak. There are some concern at the quarterback position, despite Towles finishing fifth among SEC passers in total yards and yards per game. But the quarterback’s poor play down the stretch may give his teammates an opportunity to take his job.

When it will be decided: Prior to Week 1. This could turn into a serious quarterback battle. Phillips enrolled at Kentucky less than two months after Stoops’ hire. Barker was a former four-star prospect that ranked as the No. 6 pro-style quarterback and top player from Kentucky during the 2014 recruiting class. If either player emerges as the standout during the Wildcats’ spring game, Stoops may be forced to make a change prior Kentucky’s opening game against Louisiana-Layafette.

Biggest ally: Stanley “Boom” Wiliams. Unfortunately, there aren’t many other options at receiver, with seniors Javess Blue and Demarco Robinson departing. Ryan Timmons recorded a team-best 536 yards and two touchdowns on 45 catches and should emerge as Kentucky’s true No. 1 target. But Williams was the Wildcats’ most consistent offensive player, leading Kentucky with 486 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 74 carries. While Kentucky lacks depth at the wide receiver position, Williams will provide a solid option at running back that will open Kentucky’s passing attack.