In a disappointing season finale, the Kentucky Wildcats (4-8) were defeated 41-14 by the Louisville Cardinals (8-4) in the annual Governor’s Cup rivalry game. The loss ended Kentucky’s five-game winning streak in the series, marking a tough end to a challenging season.
The Wildcats started true freshman quarterback Cutter Boley, but his performance was rough. Boley completed just 6 of 15 passes for 48 yards, throwing two interceptions before being forced out of the game in the third quarter due to a helmet-to-helmet hit. Junior Gavin Wimsatt replaced Boley and showed some promise, finishing with 4 completions on 9 attempts for 125 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Kentucky’s offense struggled throughout the game, particularly on third down, where they failed to convert any of their nine attempts, as well as their lone fourth-down try, which also ended in failure.
Meanwhile, Louisville’s offense was led by quarterback Tyler Shough, who passed for 128 yards on 9 completions out of 18 attempts. However, it was the Cardinals’ dominant ground game that proved to be the real difference. Louisville rushed for a staggering 358 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Isaac Brown had a standout performance, carrying the ball 26 times for 178 yards and scoring twice.
The victory was significant for Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, as it marked his first win in the Cup rivalry since taking over as the Cardinals’ head coach.
The defeat sealed a rough season for Kentucky, which finishes with a disappointing 4-8 record, while Louisville capped off a successful campaign with an 8-4 record.