Lexington, Ky – November 16, 2024 – Michael Willis
It was a gloomy afternoon as the Wildcats took the field to face the Murray State Racers in one of the last two games at Kroger field for the season. Kentucky entered the game 3-6 and were looking to add one more win to keep a bowl game a possibility before heading to Texas to try to upset the Longhorns. It would also require Kentucky to win the last game at home against Louisville to reach the required six wins. This match-up against Murray State was the easiest win on paper and it showed as the Cats won easily 48-6.
Even though it was an easy win for the Wildcats, it wasn’t the best performance. The first half seemed to last forever before the Cats took a 24-0 lead into the locker room. Brock Vandagriff showed poor passing to start the game throwing an interception and scoring a touchdown on a pass that should have been intercepted. The Cats kept making things harder on themselves with 4 first half penalties, one of which negated an 80-yard by Jamarion Wilcox.
The penalties added up again in the second half adding up to 24 total penalties for game from both teams. There was a time in the second half that 8 flags were thrown in 10 consecutive plays.
Kentucky fans got to see quarterback Cutter Boley in the second half. Boley looked much more comfortable in the pocket in the few snaps that he played at Florida. Boley ended the game completing 10 of his 14 passing attempts for 130 yards and scored two passing touchdowns and looked to be a viable option at the position.
The game might not have been the prettiest or most enjoyable game for the fans, but anytime you snap a four-game losing streak it is a good game. The Wildcats face a tougher opponent next week when they head to Texas. The kick-off is scheduled at 3:30 and can be viewed on ESPN.
Game Summary:
1st Quarter:
[11:16] Kentucky’s Hardley Gilmore catches a 52-yard pass for a touchdown. [UK 7 Murray St. 0]
[1:03] Kentucky’s Demie Sumo-Karngbae scores 3-yard rushing touchdown. [UK 14 Murray St. 0]
2nd Quarter:
[5:31] Kentucky’s Alex Raynor makes a 32-yard field goal. [UK 17 Murray St. 0]
[0:16] Kentucky’s Ja’Mori Maclin catches a 19-yard pass for a touchdown. [UK 24 Murray St. 0]
3rd Quarter:
[11:42] Kentucky’s Jamarion rushes 4-yards for a touchdown. [UK 31 Murray St. 0]
[8:33] Alex Raynor makes a 26-yard field goal. [UK 34 Murray St. 0]
[0:47] Murray State’s James London makes a 32-yard field goal. [UK 34 Murray St. 3]
4th Quarter:
[14:50] Murray State’s James London makes a 32-yard field goal. [UK 34 Murray St. 6]
[10:02] Kentucky’s Anthony Brown-Stephens catches a 22-yard touchdown. [UK 41 Murrary St. 6]
[3:34] Kentucky’s Anthony Brown-Stephens catches a 14-yard touchdown. [UK 48 Murrary St. 6]
