Freshman Kelley likely to play quarterback again at Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Cole Kelley made some mistakes in his first career start for Arkansas last week, but the freshman quarterback also looked the part of a future full-time starter at times in a 41-9 loss to No. 1 Alabama.
The struggling Razorbacks (2-4, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) appear likely to get another look at Kelley this week against No. 21 Auburn.
Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said Monday that starter Austin Allen isn’t likely to play on Saturday against the Tigers (5-2, 3-1), despite continued improvement since injuring his throwing shoulder in the second half against South Carolina two weeks ago.
“If it came to a point later in the week where he could practice Thursday, I think there’s merit to (Allen returning this week),” Bielema said. “Where he’s at right now, I’d say we’re still a couple of weeks away, but Austin is a guy who surprises a lot of people and if he can go and do things, it’s a positive for us.”
Allen made the trip to Alabama last week and served as a mentor on the sidelines for Kelley, who completed 23 of 42 passes for 200 yards in his first start. The 6-foot-7, 268-pound freshman also threw a touchdown in the game against a Crimson Tide defense that’s second in the country in points allowed per game (10.1).
Kelley earned praise from both Bielema and offensive coordinator Dan Enos afterward, though the Louisiana native was frustrated by an interception he threw — and the loss.
“I can’t be Superman and also can’t make mistakes and stuff like that,” Kelley said. “I don’t care who we’re playing, I do not like to lose so I’m not very happy.”
Arkansas has now lost six of its last eight games dating to last season, six straight to teams from Power Five conferences. The Razorbacks are also 27-30 overall under Bielema in his fifth season, 10-25 in the SEC and in danger of ending a streak of three straight bowl game appearances with six games remaining.