Kentucky football (5-6, 2-6 SEC) was decimated 45-17 by No. 14 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2 SEC) to finish out its 2025 SEC slate. The Wildcats were very short-handed on the defensive side of the ball as injuries piled up in a big way, especially in the secondary as Kentucky was forced to start three freshmen. That mark was also the most yards an SEC quarterback has thrown in a game this season. This game meant a ton to both teams as the Wildcats were fighting for bowl eligibility and the Commodores are trying to secure a playoff bid. Kentucky came into this game on a three-game winning streak and a completely new outlook on the 2025 season. When play began, the Wildcats got the ball first, but could not get a drive sustained. The Commodores did not have any trouble getting going as they moved the ball quickly into Kentucky territory and into the rezone. A few penalties allowed the Wildcats to hold the home team to a field goal to open the scoring. continued to roll as he connected with Tre Richardson for a 71-yard touchdown that gave Vanderbilt a 10-0 lead. Kentucky was forced to punt again and the Commodores continued to gash the banged up secondary and the drive culminated in a 15-yard rushing touchdown score by Richardson. On the ensuing Kentucky offensive drive, Cutter Boley and the offense started to string together some first downs, but Boley suffered a neck injury and was replaced by Zach Calzada. After the defense forced a turnover on downs, Boley returned to the game and led the Wildcats to a field goal to get on the board. The Wildcats did have a touchdown as Boley hit J. J. Hester, who broke a tackle and galloped 41 yards for a touchdown. Boley hit Fred Farrier II for a 9-yard score to result in the 45-17 final score. The win does not change a whole lot for Kentucky as it just needed to win one of its final two games of the season to be bowl eligible. With Louisville now losers of three-straight games, going on the road and winning is still very possible for the Wildcats. Kentucky will hit the road to take on Louisville to close out the 2025 season on Saturday, Nov. 29, with kickoff set for noon ET.
https://kykernel.com/120526/sports/at-the-whistle-kentucky-football-blown-out-by-vanderbilt-45-17/
Tag Archives: kentucky
Florida turnovers spark Kentucky victory
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky capitalized on four Florida turnovers as quarterback Cutter Boley threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to a commanding 38-7 victory over the Gators.
Seth McGowan contributed with two rushing touchdowns, while Dante Dowdell electrified the crowd with a 65-yard touchdown run. This win marked Kentucky’s first home SEC victory since a 33-14 triumph over Florida on September 30, 2023, improving their record to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway struggled in the first half, throwing three interceptions before being replaced by freshman Tramell Jones Jr. at halftime. Kentucky took full advantage, scoring 10 points directly off Florida’s miscues.
Boley demonstrated impressive distribution, connecting with 10 different receivers. His scoring passes included a 29-yard touchdown to J.J. Hester and a 15-yard strike to Jason Patterson.
**The Takeaway**
– **Florida:** Coming into the game, the Gator defense ranked 32nd nationally in points allowed per game, surrendering just 20.5 on average. However, turnovers proved costly, allowing Kentucky to amass a total of 401 yards.
– **Kentucky:** With back-to-back wins, the Wildcats’ postseason hopes remain alive, though the path is challenging. Kentucky will host Tennessee Tech, currently ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll, next Saturday. A win there, followed by a victory on the road against either No. 15 Vanderbilt or No. 14 Louisville, would secure bowl eligibility.
**Calzada Makes Wrong Headlines**
Former Kentucky starting quarterback Zach Calzada issued an apology after a social media video of him flashing $100 bills went viral amid criticism. Calzada, who transferred to Kentucky, had injured his shoulder and lost the starting job to Boley after just two games.
Following the video’s widespread attention, Calzada posted an apology. The Kentucky athletic department stated, “Zach has taken responsibility for his actions. He has done the right thing and apologized. Now, it’s time to move forward.”
**Up Next**
– **Florida:** Travels to No. 7 Mississippi.
– **Kentucky:** Hosts Tennessee Tech.
https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/11/09/florida-turnovers-spark-kentucky-victory/