Last Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats had a great opportunity to upset Ole Miss for a second straight year. Unfortunately for the BBN, a recurring issue of time management and a struggling offense kept it from happening. In addition, starting quarterback Zach Calzada hurt his shoulder and left the game. For anyone who’s followed his career, he’s had a history of shoulder issues. As a result, the Cats went to backup Cutter Boley, who tried to lead the Cats to a win. Now, as we enter week three, he’s the expected man under center. Let’s talk about Boley and the Eastern Michigan Eagles as Kentucky Has A New Quarterback On Saturday.
A New QB1 For The Cats
Ongoing Issues
We know it sounds like a broken record, but the Wildcats continue to have problems offensively. Especially passing the ball. Through two games, Calzada has completed 47 percent of his passes for 234 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. In addition, his quarterback ranking is last in the SEC at 80.4. Overall UK is 119th in the country with 136 passing yards per game.
Against Ole Miss, Boley completed one of three passes for 38 yards. The completion was a nice strike to Hardley Gilmore IV that set up a late field goal. It gave the Cats a chance for a late onside kick.
One positive for the Cats has been the running game. So far through two games, Kentucky is 44th in the country with a 196-yard per game average. Dante Dowdell is seventh in the SEC with 185 yards, while Seth McGowan is ninth with 171.
As you will see below, a strong running game should pay dividends as Kentucky has a new quarterback on Saturday.
Scouting The Eagles
To say the 2025 season has been a struggle so far for Eastern Michigan is an understatement. Heading into Saturday, Chris Creighton’s club sits at 0-2. In week one, they lost 52-27 to a pretty good Texas State squad from the Sun Belt. However, a week ago, they dropped a 28-23 contest at home to FCS school Long Island. To make matters worse, they lost to a Sharks squad that’s had five straight losing seasons.
The offense is led by Noah Kim, who has completed 63 percent of his passes for 437 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target is Terry Lockett Jr., who has 13 receptions so far in 2025. That puts him third in the MAC. When the Eagles run the ball, their main threat is Dontae McMillan. He tops the conference with an eight-yard per rush average and is sixth in yards with 136.
The biggest issue for the Eagles has been defense, especially the run game. EMU ranks 133rd out of 134 teams, giving up 623 yards and a 7.4-yard average. Defensive back Bryce Llewellyn and linebacker Marco Patierno are tied for the team lead with 12 tackles.
Moving on with a look at Saturday’s game, as Kentucky Has A New Quarterback, let’s look at the previous matchups.
Series History
Saturday marks the third time the Wildcats and Eagles have met on the gridiron. All three have been in Lexington. During the first game back in 2017, the game was tied 14-14 at halftime. However, led by two touchdown throws from Stephen Johnson, UK pulled out a 24-20 win.
Two years later, it was a rather memorable contest. Kentucky won the game easily, 38-17. Unfortunately, starting quarterback Terry Wilson was lost for the season with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. A few games later, backup Sawyer Smith was hurt, forcing the Cats to get creative. The result was that Lynn Bowden moved to quarterback, going on a run that led him to the Paul Hornung Award.
Who Wins On Saturday?
When Calzada won the quarterback battle, the word was that it wasn’t by much over Boley. At some point, you figured he’d get some extended playing time, just maybe not in week three. On paper, this should be a great contest for the Lexington Christian star.
The Eagles are bad against the run. Look for the Cats to establish the run, leading to opening up the passing game. Play action seems like a great way for Boley to throw the ball. In addition,n watch tight end Willie Rodriguez to have a big game. He and Boley seem to have a good connection.
The Cats opened as a 23.5-point favorite for Saturday’s 7:30 pm game on ESPNU. However, we know the Cats rarely cover and they won’t here. But the important thing is getting a win.
Kentucky 35-17
Main Image: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
