In search of their first conference win of the year, the Kentucky Wildcats will take on fellow SEC East foe South Carolina this weekend at home.

This is a significant game for the Wildcats — considering the game may be construed as ‘winnable’ for Mark Stoops’ team. The quarterback position had been a spot of concern through the first two weeks of the year. Starter Drew Barker has demonstrated a penchant for being inconsistent — especially when it comes to turning the ball over.

Barker left early in the third game of the season against New Mexico State with a back injury. As a result, Stephen Johnson was inserted as the signal-caller. Against the Aggies, Johnson finished 17-of-22 for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns. On the year, he’s completed passes at a 72-percent clip, and has yet to throw an interception.

Offensive coordinator Eddie Gran spoke about the quarterback position on Tuesday, and released this news:

Barker’s thrown four touchdowns to five interceptions through the first two games, and is completing passes at a paltry 50-percent average. Johnson not only gave UK a spark in the 62-42 win last week, but he also has the ability to scramble for yardage and run on quarterback-designed looks.

It will be fascinating to see how Johnson plays against the increased competition in conference play. Should he continue to perform at a high level, Kentucky may have found its quarterback going forward.