Patrick Towles is the favorite to win the starting quarterback spot, but head coach Mark Stoops has yet to count out freshman Drew Barker.

He wants to see the two guys battle it out, but Stoops is impressed by Towles’ ability to keep his head down and improve.

“I’ve asked him to get better from last year to this year, and that’s what he’s done,” Stoops said. “So there is pressure on all of our players to improve. So that will work its way out. It could work its way out in one day. It could work its way out in two practices, it could work its way out in two weeks or through the first game. I don’t know.

Again, as I’ve said, I think it’s more of a compliment to Drew and his capabilities than anything negative in Patrick, because Patrick has done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s getting better. I think he’s going to have a great year. But I feel, again, I go to Drew and the good things he’s done. He deserves that opportunity, and we’re going to get a good look at him.”