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In the blink of an eye, the Kentucky Wildcats’ 2019 campaign has come and gone following their 45-13 route of the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday in Lexington. For the second-straight season, Kentucky has blown out the Cardinals for in-state bragging rights and the Governors Cup.
While head coach Mark Stoops deserves a large amount of credit for rallying his troops after some bumps midway through the season, offensive coordinator Eddie Gran has completely rejuvenated the Wildcats’ offense through wide receiver-turned-quarterback Lynn Bowden. The team has adopted the identity of smash mouth football late this fall and utilized that play style to rack off four victories in five games.
Kentucky finishes the season at 7-5 with Saturday’s win boosting their odds of playing in a more competitive bowl game.
In Kentucky’s previous two games, the Wildcats had eclipsed 400 yards both times. On Saturday, the team in blue decided to take it up a notch and gain a program-record of 517 rushing yards. The Wildcats were dominantly led by quarterback Lynn Bowden on more than half of their carries, but also enjoyed big-play success from their running backs.
LYNN. FREAKING. BOWDEN.
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 30, 2019
Nuff said. pic.twitter.com/A5NPSZNY8k
Kentucky’s defense also set up shop in Louisville’s backfield for most of the game, recording 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Jamin Davis untouched for the sack. pic.twitter.com/ZsMJqSxfQ3
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 30, 2019
Both teams lean heavy on their ground game, but Kentucky’s reigned superior on Saturday thanks to their offensive line and play-makers shredding tackles.
Kavosiey Smoke breaks a long one for 70 yards. pic.twitter.com/wBr9XsBrNC
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 30, 2019
Even Kentucky’s special teams harassed Louisville’s in the Wildcats’ blowout victory.
Max Duffy out there just amusing himself now. pic.twitter.com/ewXO7sHpB5
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 30, 2019
Box Score
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Game MVP: Lynn Bowden
Who else? Seriously, who else has been more valuable to their team’s success than Lynn Bowden has been for Kentucky this season? There may be a few players who are right in line with Bowden, but not many. On Saturday, ‘twas no different as the team’s leading receiver and rusher on the year once again dominated the entirety of the game. Starting again at quarterback, Bowden carried the ball 22 times for 284 yards and four touchdowns while completing one of two pass attempts for four yards to Clevan Thomas.
Ankle looks fine.
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 30, 2019
Lynn Bowden takes it to the house.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/OP9TbJN21I
Of course, Kentucky’s offensive line and skill position players blocking for Bowden deserve a ton of credit. It’s no secret Bowden is the country’s most dynamic player this season, with Saturday’s outing solidifying his case for the award as the regular season comes to an end.
Highlights
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