Oct. 16, 2001

Quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who came off the bench to spark Kentucky to a near-upset of Louisiana State last Saturday, will return to the starting lineup in Saturday’s game at Georgia, Coach Guy Morriss announced Tuesday afternoon.

“Jared has earned the chance to start,” Morriss said. “It’s not based solely on his performance against LSU, but also how he’s handled himself the last few weeks. He’s done a good job of staying in the game plan, studying film, and staying close to Coach Pease (offensive coordinator Brent Pease) to continue learning as much as he can.Jared’s attitude has been good. He’s making his reads better and faster.”

Lorenzen won the starting job during preseason practice, but struggled in the season opener against Louisville. Redshirt freshman Shane Boyd was given the starting nod for the next five games. Lorenzen played in a relief role against Mississippi on Sept. 29, then got his next chance last Saturday against LSU.

Entering in the third quarter, trailing 22-10, Lorenzen guided consecutive 80-yard touchdown drives to put the Wildcats ahead. The Tigers scored a last-minute touchdown, however, to pull out the 29-25 victory.

In six games this season, Boyd has completed 85 of 154 passes (55.2 percent) for 852 yards, with four touchdowns and six interceptions. Lorenzen has played in three games and completed 23 of 55 passes (41.8 percent) for 299 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

– UK –