Photo by Vicki Graff
Saturday night football called for the Kentucky Wildcats to party like it’s 1977 as they defeated the Louisville Cardinals, 56-10. Kentucky won their ninth game of the year to finish their regular season at 9-3 and position themselves for a significant bowl game appearance.
Going into Saturday’s game, the Wildcats were 18-point favorites to win. However, they more than doubled the spread in their statement win to claim the Governor’s Cup.
After a few disappointing outings, Eddie Gran’s offense eclipsed 30 points for the second-straight week. Quarterback Terry Wilson completed 17 of 23 passes for 261 yards while throwing three touchdowns to one interception. He added 79 yards rushing on 10 carries while also running in a score.
Running back Benny Snell’s record-setting day will have to wait until Kentucky’s bowl game, as he received only 18 carries but did managed to gain 100 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. His magic number is 107 yards to etch his name as the program’s leading rusher.
His backfield partner, AJ Rose, compiled 118 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown.
Wide receiver Lynn Bowden caught six passes for 86 yards and two scores, capping off a break out sophomore season.
While the offense exploded, Kentucky’s defense was just as impressive. Aside from a 75-touchdown run in the first half, the Wildcats’ held Louisville to just 230 yards of total offense.
Heading into their bowl game, which is expected to come on New Years, Kentucky played the “perfect” momentum-changing game. Losing to both Georgia and Tennessee in SEC play shadowed dark clouds over the team. However, two powerful wins to end the regular season has head coach Mark Stoops & his team primed for a promising postseason.
