Following six straight games versus the grind of SEC competition, the Kentucky football team stepped out of conference on Saturday. On Senior Day, they faced one of the best teams in FCS football, Tennessee Tech. In fact, the Golden Eagles came into the game ranked fifth in the nation. Mark Stoops’ club did exactly what they needed to in order to keep their winning streak going. Let’s break it down as Kentucky takes care of business 42-10 over Tennessee Tech.
Cats Are One Win Away From A Bowl
Well Balanced Attack
One thing we talked about in our game preview is how well offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan is mixing the running and passing game. On Saturday, Kentucky did that very effectively. Against the Golden Eagles, they racked up 468 yards, 207 on the ground and 261 through the air. Furthermore, they’ve now scored more than 30 points in three of the last four games.
Stoops’ best clubs have always run the ball well, and now, behind Cutter Boley, they’re getting the passing game going too. The Lexington Christian product had another effective game, completing 18 of 21 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. In addition, he reeled off an impressive 30-yard scoring run.
MY GOODNESS. CUTTER BOLEY. 😳@UKFootball x 📺 @SECNetwork+ pic.twitter.com/EieN2uU8fP
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 15, 2025
Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan combined for 159 of the 207 rushing yards. In addition, McGowan rushed for three touchdowns, bringing his season total to 12. That puts him tied for second in the SEC as of this writing.
One other player to mention is wide receiver Kendrick Law. Playing in his last home game, the Alabama transfer hauled in a career high 11 catches and 124 yards. He and Boley have become a great tandem.
Let’s take a look at the other side of the ball now, as Kentucky takes care of business, 42-10 over Tennessee Tech.
Players Stepping Up
The Wildcats were down four starters heading into the battle against Tennessee Tech. Playing against the number one offense in FCS football, averaging 45 points a game, led to some nervousness among the Big Blue Nation. However, those fears were quickly eased as the Wildcats held the Golden Eagles to only 264 total yards. UK jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and led 28-7 at the intermission.
Since Kentucky won so handily, it gave defensive coordinator Brad White the opportunity to play some guys who hadn’t seen much action in 2025. One of those players, Cam Dooley, who was playing in place of Jordan Lovett, had an interception and a forced fumble. The reps are especially helpful as we head into the next two games. Speaking of that, let’s talk about what’s upcoming for both the Cats and Golden Eagles.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Kentucky moves to 5-5 on the season and, as mentioned before, is one win away from bowl eligibility. In our most recent bowl projections, we did not have the Wildcats in our picks. However, they certainly deserve a good look this week.
Stoops goes to 12-0 all-time against FCS foes. Next Saturday, they head down Interstate 65 for a battle with Vanderbilt. The Cats have won four straight in Nashville and would like nothing more than to end the Commodores’ College Football Playoff hopes.
On the other side of the ball, Tech falls to 10-1 on the season. In addition, Kentucky snapped a 15-game winning streak by Bobby Wilder’s club. Next week, they face Tennessee-Martin in a game that should decide who wins the OVC-Big South championship.
Final Thoughts
A few weeks ago, Kentucky was 2-5, and its season was considered pretty much over. However, since then, they’ve reeled off three straight wins to even their mark. Even more impressive, they’ve outscored their opponents 93-20 in those wins.
They are now one game away from making a bowl for the ninth time in the last 10 years. In the process, Stoops’ seat, who was one of the hottest in the country, has cooled significantly. UK just needs to beat either Vanderbilt or Louisville, a team who’s dropped two straight.
Kentucky’s now won three straight in November for the first time since 2021. Now they need to take that next step and get that sixth win.
Thanks for checking out our recap as Kentucky takes care of business 42-10 over Tennessee Tech.
Main Photo: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
