Drew Barker makes his first road start at The Swamp. How bad has it been for previous Kentucky quarterbacks there?

Kentucky quarterback Drew Barker makes his first road start on Saturday. He does so in a tough place to make a road debut. At “The Swamp.”

His three turnovers aside, the sophomore is coming off a terrific opener. After completing 15 of 24 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown, Barker’s pass efficiency rating of 222.2 ranks fifth in the country heading into this weekend. It was also the fifth-best passer rating in a single game by a UK quarterback over the past 30 years. See third chart below.

Tim Couch made his infamous first collegiate start at Florida back in 1996. It was not under ideal circumstances, however. Couch was running an ill-suited offense against a superior team and a tough, tough crowd. It didn’t go well. Under different circumstances, i.e. Hal Mumme’s offense, Couch got much, much better on the road. See second chart below.

How have other UK quarterbacks fared against the Gators in Gainesville? The Cats haven’t beaten Florida in Florida since 1979. That gives you some idea. See first chart below for the passing numbers.