Florida transfer James Blackman started at quarterback tonight for the Red Wolves, but after losing his helmet in the second half, incoming QB Layne Hatcher took over and recorded an astronomical 315 QB rating after going 12/12 for 150 yards and 4 TDs.

Three of those touchdowns went to super-stud Corey Rucker, who piled up 138 yards. TeVailance Hunt added 96 yards and a TD while surprise starting running back Alan Lamar chipped in a score, too.

“We don’t have a starting running back,” explained Jones.

Also showing up, the Red Wolves run defense, who only allowed 42 yards. But it wasn’t all fireworks and high-fives. The Red Wolves secondary gave up big pass pass plus, including a 66 yard TD to UCA’s Chris Richmond.

“It wasn’t the start we envisioned,” admitted Coach Butch Jones. “Everything that could go wrong went wrong. I thought our defense kept us in it the first half.”

The Red Wolves were down 7-6 at the half, and up 13-7 early in the third quarter when Blackman (16/26 169 yards) lost his helmet on a play. Hatcher subbed in and immediately connected with Rucker for a 34 yard yard TD snag. After that, it was Hatcher’s offense to lead.

“He gave us a spark, obviously, and gave us some big throws,” said Jones. “We have two very very good quarterbacks. Layne flipped the momentum, we’re going to go with the hot hand.”

Samy Johnson and Elery Alexander each picked up a pick, and Kivon Bennet picked up his first sack as a Red Wolf. Jones credited Jeff Foreman and Hunt for making big plays, as well.

Up Next: The Memphis Tigers visit Jonesboro, and we got unfinished business with those guys

Photo: I was walking through the tailgate and saw that