Throughout the season, Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles has been labeled as a “game manager.” The redshirt sophomore has led the Wildcats to a 5-3 (2-3 SEC)– which surpasses the team’s win total from the past two combined seasons– but has done so with efficient passing and a dependency on a strong rushing attack.

However, fans caught a different glimpse of Towles in Kentucky’s 45-31 loss to No. 1 Mississippi State on Saturday, as he rushed for a career-best 76 yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts.

Towles accounted for the majority of Kentucky’s 103 rushing yards in Saturday’s game. Despite falling short, the Wildcats recorded 504 total yards, their second-largest output of the season.

Even more impressive was Towles’ performance against a stout Mississippi State front seven. The Bulldogs entered as the No. 12 overall rush defense and a heavy favorite over a surprise Kentucky team. But the Wildcats offense pressured Mississippi State in a game that remained close through four quarters.

Towles’ performance isn’t shocking, rather a pleasant surprise given his style of play this season. His previous season-best rushing total came in a Week 2 victory over Ohio, recording 59 yards on 22 attempts. But Towles only prior SEC game with double-digit rushing attempts came against Vanderbilt, when he recorded just three yards on 15 rushes.

Kentucky’s offense will flourish with Towles as a capable mobile option. The Wildcats have seen strong performances from several tailbacks, but have yet to find a consistent standout performer. Kentucky’s “running back by committee” philosophy has worked and should improve with a mobile quarterback.

Towles’ mobility also benefits his passing numbers. The sophomore threw for a career-best 390 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-43 passing.

Kentucky enters a tough stretch of games and is in need of a win to secure bowl eligibility. If Towles can build from his successful performance against Mississippi State, the Wildcats should be capable of ending their season on a high note.