Playing in yet another heavy downpour at Kroger Field Mark Stoops’ club did what they do best, run the football. Fueled by another history making performance the Cats broke open a close game to take back the Governor’s Cup. Led by Lynn Bowden Kentucky blows out Louisville 45-13.
Kentucky Blows Out Louisville 45-13
There Goes That Man Again
Just when you think Bowden can’t possibly top what he did last week against Tennessee-Martin he does. Saving his best performance for the Governor’s Cup Bowden rushed 22 times for 284 yards and four touchdowns. The 284 yards are the most ever by a quarterback in Southeastern Conference history. Furthermore he was only 15 yards off the school record of 299 set by Moe Williams against South Carolina in 1995.
In only seven games under center Bowden has 1,235 yards rushing which is the sixth most in UK history. In addition he owns two of the top ten rushing performances and tied the record for most TD’s in a game with four. His two third quarter scores turned a 17-13 halftime lead to an insurmountable one for the Cards. The presumed favorite for the Paul Hornung Award only increased his chances of winning.
Another Record Setting Day
One week after Kentucky set a school record with 462 yards rushing they top that with 517 against Louisville. It’s the third straight game going over 400 yards for the Kentucky offense. It’s also the most by any FBS school this season.
517 rushing yards, most by any team against a FBS opponent in the nation this season. You love to see it 👀#BringIt 😼🏈 #GovernorsCup #BigBlueWall pic.twitter.com/GG37OpVRIv
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 30, 2019
With Saturday’s performance the Wildcats now have 3,293 yards on the year. This breaks the previous single season mark of 3,124 set in 1974. In addition to Bowden’s career game Christopher Rodriguez added another 125 yards and a score. This coming on a day where Bowden only attempted two passes, completing one for four yards. Kentucky scored 45 points on only 42 plays. That’s about as efficient as you can get.
A Big Day For The Defense
Lost in the history making day for the offense was another great performance by the defense. While Brad White’s group gave allowed 300 yards for the first time in seven games a majority of it came on two big plays. A week after a six touchdown performance against Syracuse Micale Cunningham only had 78 yards passing. That was his second lowest total of the season with 63 against Clemson being first. Furthermore he only gained 27 yards on the ground.
The Cats had six sacks on the day while forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass. For a unit that was supposed to be the biggest question mark heading into the season the secondary has been strong. Throw in a returning Davonte Robinson and LSU transfer Kelvin Joseph and you have on paper one of the strongest secondaries in the league in 2020.
Saturday was the 16th straight game Kentucky gave up less than 30 points. That ties them with Iowa for the longest streak in the nation.
Welcome To The Rivalry
With any rivalry there’s going to be some trash talk between both the fans and players. For Kentucky fans the “L’s down” is always sure to generate some heat with the Cardinals fans and players. It also appears to have gotten to coach Scott Satterfield. Following the game he could be seen talking to Stoops about the gesture. Kentucky’s head man had this response afterwards.
https://twitter.com/rickbozich/status/1200877027747872768?s=20
After today’s win Kentucky now leads the all-time series 17-15 with Louisville leading 15-11 since the rivalry was renewed in 1994. The Wildcats won at home for the first time since 2009 and the two game winning streak is the longest since they won four straight from 2007-2010. In addition the Cats have outscored the Cards 101-23 over the last two years.
Looking Ahead
With the victory Kentucky finishes the regular season at 7-5, their fourth straight winning season under Stoops. Now they wait on their bowl destination. Currently we have them projected to the Belk Bowl. As for the Cardinals they also finish 7-5. However considering where this program was a year ago making the Music City Bowl as we have them projected is a remarkable feat.
As for Bowden today was probably his last game at Kroger Field. While there is still a chance he comes back next season it’s highly doubtful. His remarkable campaign ranks near the top in Kentucky Football history. In addition he cements his legacy as one of the all-time best in Lexington.
Lynn Bowden, MVP, overcome. pic.twitter.com/NbDoY0nIbX
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 30, 2019
Again Kentucky blows out Louisville 45-13 to retain the Governor’s Cup. Thanks for checking out this and all the other great content here at Last Word On College Football. Coming soon we’ll have updated bowl projections and previews of all 41 games.
