On Saturday night the University of Kentucky honored one its all time greats Jared Lorenzen. In 2003 the “Hefty Lefty” told fans who were leaving a seven overtime contest against Arkansas “you all are going to miss a hell of a game.” Nearly 16 years later Cat fans witnessed a “hell of a second half.” Led by wide receiver turned quarterback Lynn Bowden carries Kentucky to a 24-20 victory over Arkansas.
A Career Night For Bowden
Throughout the week the UK coaching staff gave the impression Sawyer Smith would start. However during warmups it became very evident the junior from Youngstown, Ohio would be under center. The runner-up for Mr. Football in Ohio in 2016 played quarterback so this was nothing new. After a slow start which saw Kentucky fall behind 13-0 Bowden scored on a three yard run just before the half cutting the deficit to six at the half.
In the second frame Bowden and the Cats really got things cranking. The coaching staff actually called some passing plays which then opened up the running game. The result was 196 yards rushing for Bowden and 330 overall. However it was a 10 yard touchdown pass to Clevan Thomas on a fade route which finally gave the Cats the lead 17-13.
A two yard touchdown run by Rakeem Boyd gave the Razorbacks the lead 20-17. Once again Bowden had the answer scoring on a 24 yard run providing the final margin. For the game he had 274 yards of total offense and accounted for all three Wildcat touchdowns. However in true Kentucky football style they had to withstand an Arkansas rally.
The Defense Came Up Big
Much like the offense the Wildcat defense struggled early in the game. On the second play from scrimmage Boyd ran 74 yards giving Arkansas the lead not even a minute into the game. However Brad White’s defense settled down and played well against quarterback Nick Starkel. In fact they played so well coach Chad Morris pulled Starkel for Ben Hicks.
Down four with six minutes to go Hicks marched the Razorbacks down the field with a chance for the victory. However on a third and eight at the Kentucky 15 Calvin Taylor sacked Hicks for a loss of seven. Then on fourth down the Cats got pressure again and Taylor knocked down the pass preserving the victory.
All that was left was for Bowden and the offense to get a couple of first downs. They did just that as runs of 51 and 15 yards by the Bowden got the ball down to the Razorback seven. From there they simply ran out the clock breaking a three game conference losing streak.
As mentioned in the beginning Lynn Bowden carries Kentucky to a victory but this evening was about much more.
Honoring Jared Lorenzen
One of the most beloved players in school history Lorenzen died earlier this summer due to complications from heart and kidney problems. The school chose to honor Lorenzen on Saturday as that seven overtime game is one of the ones he’s best remembered.
Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson planned to wear special shoes and the number 22 for the game this evening. Of course he tore his patellar tendon against Eastern Michigan and is out for the season. However that didn’t keep him from wearing the jersey.
Look who’s rockin’ No. 22.. #J-Lo Day #BBN pic.twitter.com/5dP2m4fbcE
— . (@smosswkyt) October 12, 2019
The school had a wonderful tribute to Lorenzen capped off by not a moment of silence but something more fitting for the 57 thousand people in attendance.
A moment of silence just didn’t seem right, so the #BBN made 22 seconds of noise for Jared Lorenzen. #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/6aiuakNDeO
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) October 13, 2019
Looking Ahead
With the victory Kentucky evens its record at 3-3. In addition they keep their hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl game. Currently we have them slated for the Liberty Bowl. The schedule does them no favors as they head to Athens next week to face Georgia. The Bulldogs of course are coming off that shocking double overtime loss to South Carolina. Even if Smith is healthy it’s going to be interesting to see if Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran keep Bowden at quarterback.
As for Arkansas they fall to 2-4 and have now lost 14 straight conference games dating back to October 28, 2017. Much like the Wildcats it doesn’t get any easier for them. The next two weeks they host Auburn then travel to Alabama.
Once again on a special night for the program Lynn Bowden carries Kentucky to victory over Arkansas 24-20. Thanks for checking out this recap and all the great content here at Last Word On College Football.
