If you asked in September who would win this year’s Governor’s Cup, it would be a near unanimous answer for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Through the first five games, the Wildcats were ranked No. 13 in the country and had a 4-1 record. Whereas the Louisville Cardinals were just 2-3, which included a loss to a Boston College tram that is is just 3-8 (as of this article).

Going into Saturday, the Wildcats were still favored by 3.5, but the matchup looked a bit different. Louisville came in ranked 25th in the country, winning 5 of their last 6, compared to Kentucky’s 2-4 record which pushed them out of the rankings after week 9.

With that said, this matchup was not expected to be the blowout that is has in recent season, and it wasn’t.

After one half, Kentucky had the lead 13-7, but that score did not tell the story. In fact, Kentucky dominated much of the first half but scored a touchdown on just one of their three scoring opportunities – one of which was a recovered fumble at the Louisville six-yard line – settling for two field goals. Due to this, the Cardinals were still just one score away.

Coming out of the half, Louisville got the first possession but couldn’t capitalize and Kentucky responded with a field goal. This was followed up with an interception from Malik Cunningham at their own 16-yard line, and Kentucky was able to score a touchdown and extend the lead to double-digits, 23-7.

From that point, the game never was really in question as the Wildcats retained the Governor’s Cup for a fourth straight matchup.

Defense

The Kentucky football program will be extremely lucky if Brad White sticks around too much longer. The fourth-year defensive coordinator has had a top-five SEC defense – in terms of opponent points and yards – in each season he has been with the Wildcats, but this year may be his most impressive job yet.

Replacing important losses on the defensive line and secondary, there were some question marks coming into the season. However, with an experienced linebacker group and plenty of young talent with big upside, Kentucky was actually able to improve on their numbers from last season – 21.7 ppg (2021) vs 19.6 ppg (2022); 340.8 ypg (2021) vs 321.2 ypg (2022).

On Saturday, that story continued.

Until Louisville’s last drive in the second half – where they rushed for 56 yards alone – the Kentucky defense held Louisville to just 84 total yards. In addition, they had two sacks, four tackles for loss, and a critical 4th & 1 hold in the red zone, but did drop two potential interceptions.

To start the second half, the Kentucky defense carried that momentum, forcing a 3-and-out which was followed by an interception that Kentucky was able to score a touchdown on.

Change Will be Made

I say this with no inside information, but expect some coaching changes within the coming weeks.

Outside of an 86-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter, which was highlighted by a 70-yard reception by freshman tight-end, Josh Kattus – Kentucky’s offense still has not performed up to their capability.

In total, Kentucky had 346 total yards – their highest amount since Mississippi State in October – but that was overshadowed by questionable play calling as Kentucky scored just two touchdowns within the Louisville 25-yard line.

With the win, Kentucky moves to 7-5, but with the number of offensive weapons this roster has, it is still a disappointing finish.

Given the amount of negativity surrounding the offense and some of the comments that have been said by the players themselves, it is hard to imagine that Rich Scangarello will be welcomed back for another season.

Kentucky Has to Retain Their Young Talent

Five players caught a pass for the Wildcats on Saturday, four of those being freshmen (redshirt or true). This includes both of Kentucky’s touchdowns, with passes caught by Dane Key and Barion Brown.

On the other side of the ball, freshman Deone Walker had a career game as he tied a career-high six tackles, had .5 of a sack, and forced a fumble. In addition, freshman Jordan Lovett made the game-clinching interception on Louisville’s final offensive possession.

On Monday Stoops talked about the “free-for-all” for his talented freshmen, and with a lackluster recruiting class so far for 2023, it will be important to retain Kentucky’s young and proven talent.

Goodbye Seniors

Another reason that Kentucky needs to retain its talent is because the amount of talent they are losing from this senior class. Just to name a few:

• Will Levis
• Chris Rodriguez Jr.
• DeAndre Square
• Jordan Wright
• Tyrell Ajian

Unfortunately, the full list is much longer, but this group of seniors – with some dating back to 2018 – have helped contribute to some of the greatest seasons in Kentucky football history. In their last time at Kroger Field, they gave the Big Blue Nation another memory as they beat the Cardinals.

Let’s not forget about Chris Oats, who provided the loudest cheer and most emotional Senior Day moment, as he was honored after suffering a stroke back in May of 2020. He made sure to give an L’s down as well!

Game MVP

While there were some positives on offense including freshmen Barion Brown and Dane Key – who scored both of Kentucky’s touchdowns – the offense was too inconsistent today.

With that said, Matt Ruffolo was Mr. Consistent on Saturday night, as he went 4-4 on field goals and set a single-game career-high. Not to mention Ruffolo almost outscored the Cardinals by himself if you include his two PATs.

With the struggles that special teams has had this season, it is promising to see this performance to end the regular season.