Kentucky football dominated Tennessee Tech from the opening kickoff, cruising to a 42-10 victory in one of its most complete performances of the season. By halftime, the Wildcats held a commanding 28–7
lead thanks to a balanced, explosive offense and a defense that consistently shut the door.
Running back Seth McGowan set the tone early, punching in three rushing touchdowns in the first half alone. His physical running style and ability to power through contact showed exactly why landing him in the transfer portal was so crucial. Quarterback Cutter Boley added to the scoring with a 30-yard rushing touchdown, slicing through the defense and demonstrating both poise and athleticism. Boley also helped engineer multiple long drives, consistently making the right reads and getting the offense into rhythm.
Tennessee Tech briefly narrowed the score to 21-7, but Kentucky immediately responded with McGowan’s third touchdown of the half to restore control. Defensively, the Wildcats gave up just one touchdown before halftime and kept the Golden Eagles’ offense in check throughout the day.
The second half was more of the same: McGowan continued to dominate, Boley added a touchdown through the air, and Kentucky’s defense allowed very little breathing room. The game was never in doubt as Mark Stoops’ squad rolled to .500 on the season and extended its win streak to three games.
4 Things to Know
1. Seth McGowan will be missed, and he showed why
If Seth McGowan does not receive an additional year of eligibility, Kentucky fans will remember this performance as a perfect snapshot of how important he has been to the 2025 offense. McGowan’s three first-half touchdowns highlighted his combination of vision, burst, and physicality. Every carry seemed to set a tone, whether he was lowering his shoulder for tough yards or bouncing outside for explosive plays.
McGowan didn’t slow down in the second half either, continuing to punish defenders and extend drives. What makes his impact so significant isn’t just the touchdowns; it’s how he controls the flow of the offense. With McGowan on the field, Kentucky stays ahead of the chains, sets up manageable third-down situations, and keeps the defense honest.
His presence also opens opportunities for young quarterback Cutter Boley, who benefits tremendously from a reliable ground game. Whether McGowan returns next season or not, Kentucky must prepare for life without him, but his imprint on this offense will be tough to replicate.
2. Cutter Boley Continues to Prove He’s the Future
Redshirt freshman Cutter Boley was thrown into the fire early in the 2025 season, and while he has faced adversity, especially his struggles in his first SEC road start at South Carolina, his growth has been undeniable. Now 4–4 as a starter and 2–4 in SEC play in the 2025 season, Boley continues to show that he is the long-term solution for Kentucky football.
Against Tennessee Tech, Boley looked confident, composed, and decisive. His 30-yard rushing touchdown in the first half showcased his athletic upside, a part of his game that sometimes goes overlooked. But he also added a touchdown through the air in the second half and surpassed 200 passing yards, proving he can beat a defense multiple ways.
What stands out most is how well he manages the game. His improved accuracy and pocket presence give Kentucky a level of stability the team lacked early in the season. While the competition will stiffen over the next two weeks, Boley has firmly positioned himself as the foundation of the program’s future. Each game is another step forward and this was one of his most complete outings yet.
3. Kendrick Law Has Cemented Himself as a Major Offensive Weapon
Alabama transfer wide receiver Kendrick Law has transformed his season over the last month. Early in the year, Kentucky struggled to consistently get him the ball, whether due to quarterback changes or offensive rhythm issues. But that narrative has flipped dramatically.
Against Tennessee Tech, Law delivered another outstanding performance, recording double-digit receptions and topping 100 receiving yards for the second time this season, the other coming against Tennessee. His route running, ability to separate, and physicality after the catch have made him an essential piece of the Wildcats’ offensive resurgence.
Even though Kentucky only gets him for one season, Law’s late-season surge has been invaluable. His reliability gives Boley a true No. 1 target, and his production helps balance an offense that was overly dependent on the run early in the year. If Kentucky makes a bowl game, Law will be a major reason why.
4. Kentucky’s Defense Dominated, Again
Kentucky’s defense played one of its most complete games of the season, allowing just one touchdown in the first half and controlling the line of scrimmage from start to finish. The front seven was disruptive, limiting Tennessee Tech’s rushing attack and forcing hurried throws. The secondary held firm, breaking up passes and preventing big plays.
A highlight came in the first half when redshirt freshman Cam Dooley secured his first career interception, jumping a route and energizing the crowd. His development adds another promising young piece to a defense that has quietly improved each week.
In the second half, the Wildcats continued their dominance, maintaining gap discipline, tackling well, and keeping Tennessee Tech from building any momentum. If Kentucky plays defense like this over the final two games, bowl eligibility is well within reach.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky now sits 5–5, riding a three-game winning streak, and is just one win away from bowl eligibility after last season’s disappointing 4–8 finish. Momentum is firmly on the Wildcats’ side.
The path is clear: Kentucky must defeat either Vanderbilt or Louisville to secure a bowl berth and keep building toward the future. The rivalry game brings added stakes, with a chance to reclaim the Governor’s Cup after last year’s loss.
Behind a surging offense, an improving defense, and rising young stars like Boley and Dooley, Kentucky enters the final two weeks with confidence and an opportunity to finish the season far stronger than it began.
