Kentucky's Drew Barker to undergo season-ending surgery

Kentucky quarterback Drew Barker, who's been sidelined by a back injury since Sept. 17, will undergo season-ending surgery to address the ailment.

Wildcats coach Mark Stoops made the announcement Thursday, saying Barker explored all other avenues - to no avail - before accepting surgery, according to SEC Country's Joe Mussatto.

Barker, a sophomore, threw for 334 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in parts of three games this year. Junior college transfer Stephen Johnson has taken over the huddle in Barker's absence, and has thrown for 1,231 yards with seven touchdowns.

Kentucky takes a 5-4 record into Saturday's meeting with Tennessee.