Despite entering the game on a three-game winning streak — which now feels as hollow as Mark Stoops’ ‘get back to work’ quotes — the Kentucky Wildcats (5-6) were demolished by the Vanderbilt Commodores (9-2) on Saturday by a final score of 45-17.
In a game where the Cats trailed 45-3 and were stale on all three sides of the ball, this felt very similar to their game against Vandy in 2012 when they lost 40-0. That was the final game of the Joker Phillips era before he was fired.
This latest blowout
at the hands of the Dores certainly has fans feeling like a similar scenario should play out for Stoops, who is 3-13 in SEC play over the last two seasons and has had a losing SEC record in seven straight seasons after the 5-3 2021 campaign was vacated.
Commodores QB Diego Pavia steamrolled the Wildcats on offense for a record-breaking game, similar to what Jordan Rodgers did back in 2012. Pavia finished his night completing 33/39 passes, 484 yards, and five touchdowns en route to Vandy’s big win on senior day.
Stoops’ Wildcats went on the road and were totally unprepared for the Commodores’ dual-threat QB and potential Heisman candidate. It was Vandy’s first win by more than one score since a 55-35 September win over Utah State.
In a game where the Wildcats were never really in it, QB Cutter Boley had some miscues on his end. The freshman has shown flashes this season, but this was not his night. He finished the game with 280 yards through the air, two touchdowns, both coming in garbage time during the fourth quarter, and two interceptions.
The Wildcats have one game remaining on the schedule to have a chance at bowl eligibility. They take on their in-state rival, the Louisville Cardinals, next Saturday. The game will air on ACC Network at 12:00 PM ET.
