Kentucky Football Postgame Notes: Kentucky Defeats No. 9 Louisville 38-31
In a thrilling match-up at the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, KY, the Kentucky Wildcats emerged victorious, defeating the No. 9 ranked Louisville Cardinals with a final score of 38-31. With this win, Kentucky ends their regular season with a 7-5 record while Louisville finishes at 10-2.
This victory for Kentucky means that they have clinched a winning record for the seventh time in the last eight seasons, with the exception being the Covid-altered 2020 campaign. It also marks their fifth consecutive win in the series against Louisville, tying the longest streak in the Governor’s Cup era. Additionally, this win extends Kentucky’s school-record streak of winning their regular-season finale for six consecutive seasons.
Coach Mark Stoops also added to his school records, securing his 73rd win as the Kentucky head coach and his 13th win over opponents ranked in The Associated Press poll. This win against No. 9 Louisville is now the highest AP-ranked victory of the Mark Stoops era and the eighth-highest AP-ranked victory in Kentucky history.
Kentucky’s quarterback, Devin Leary, had an impressive performance, completing 12 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. He now has a total of 23 touchdowns this season, ranking third in the SEC in that category. Leary has also accumulated 9,247 passing yards and 84 passing touchdowns in his career.
Running back Ray Davis was another standout player for Kentucky, carrying the ball 14 times for 76 yards. He scored the game-winning touchdown with a 37-yard run with only 1:31 remaining in the game. Davis also made an impact in the passing game, catching four passes for 51 yards, including two touchdown receptions. With his three touchdowns in this game, Davis broke the UK single-season record for total touchdowns with 20. He also surpassed the previous record for points scored in a season, which was held by Benny Snell Jr. in 2017. Davis now has 1,066 rushing yards this season, marking his entry into the prestigious club of players who have rushed for over 1,000 yards in a single season at Kentucky.
Wide receiver Barion Brown displayed his explosive abilities by returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. This was his second kickoff return touchdown of the season and the third of his career. Brown also caught two passes for 48 yards, with a crucial 23-yard catch that set up Ray Davis’ game-winning touchdown run.
It was a milestone day for several players on the Kentucky roster. Wide receiver Dane Key hauled in two catches for 25 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown. He now has 1,056 career receiving yards, moving up to No. 31 in school history. Tayvion Robinson reached 1,000 receiving yards in his Kentucky career with his six-yard reception in the game. Tight end Khamari Anderson also had a memorable moment, catching his first collegiate pass for 11 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker J.J. Weaver was named the Most Valuable Player of the winning team in the Governor’s Cup game. He had an outstanding performance with eight tackles, a quarterback sack, and two fumble recoveries. Weaver’s impact was felt in critical moments of the game, forcing a fumble and recovering it late in the third quarter. This turnover set up a drive for a field goal that tied the game. He later recovered another fumble, setting up a Kentucky touchdown that gave them a 31-24 lead. Weaver also recorded a seven-yard sack.
Linebackers D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace tied for the team lead in tackles with 11 each. Jackson also caused a fumble and had a nine-yard tackle for loss, while Wallace made a crucial stop on fourth-and-one in the fourth quarter, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Defensive back Jordan Lovett sealed the victory for Kentucky with a game-clinching interception in the closing seconds of the game, his second interception of the season and fourth of his career.
Kentucky’s flawless performance included having no penalties throughout the game, showcasing their disciplined play.
As the regular season comes to a close, Kentucky now awaits their bowl destination, which will be announced on December 3rd. The Wildcats have proven themselves as a formidable team this season, and their win against No. 9 Louisville solidifies their status as a competitive force in college football. The team’s success under Coach Mark Stoops continues to grow, and they look forward to embarking on their next challenge in the upcoming bowl game.
