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/