A season that looked very dead and on life support the first couple of months has now regained life as the Kentucky Wildcats cruised past the Florida Gators 38-7 to improve to 4-5 (2-5) this past Saturday
night.
They’ve not only won back-to-back games for the first time this season, which put them in striking distance to go bowling, but they also snapped a 10-game conference home losing streak, which dated back to 2023 (also against Florida).
The Wildcats put on a stomping of a team that they have historically had their hearts broken by and embarrassed them from start to finish, and it was a whole team effort, which made the win that more impressive.
The Wildcats’ next opponent should not be overlooked by any means, as they’ll take on one of the best FCS teams in college football, the 10-0 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, on senior day this upcoming Saturday
Who stood out in the Cats’ statement win over the Gators?
The Kentucky defense
The Wildcats’ defense put on an amazing performance for the second straight week in a row as they set the tone from start to finish. The defense recorded three interceptions, which were picked off by Ty Bryant, Daveren Rayner, and Quay’sheed Scott, and also forced a fumble, all in the first half, which ultimately led the Wildcats to a blowout victory.
The Wildcats also held Florida star RB Jadan Baugh in check as he was barely able to be a key factor in the run game on Saturday night.
Dante Dowdell
An individual who’s been relatively quiet for a while led the Cats in rushing yards and scored a TD against the Gators this past Saturday. Dante Dowdell had his second 100-yard performance on the ground this season (first since Toledo in August) as he rushed for 104 yards on seven carries. Dowdell was a man amongst boys in this outing against the Gators.
Seth McGowan
Even though his play has dropped a little recently due to an injury, Seth McGowan picked up where he left off as he ran for a pair of TDs (first rushing TD since September against South Carolina) against the Gators in Saturday’s outing. He finished the contest with 92 yards on 22 carries.
Cutter Boley
Words can’t describe how great the Hodgenville, KY native and freshman QB Cutter Boley’s been for the Wildcats this past month. Putting up five TDs against Tennessee a few weeks ago and leading the Cats to their second consecutive victories against the Auburn Tigers and Florida Gators the last two weeks. Boley was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week a week ago and has now been named SEC Freshman of the Week once again after his two TD performance over the Gators. I think the Wildcats have indeed found their QB for the future for this program, regardless of how this season ends.
