LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a stunning performance, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Murray State Racers 48-6 on Saturday, marking an impressive end to a four-game losing streak. Quarterbacks Brock Vandagriff and Cutter Boley each contributed with two touchdown passes, while running back Jamarion Wilcox achieved a personal best with 123 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats demonstrated season-high figures in both points and total yardage.
The Wildcats (4-6) were in desperate need of a win to keep their hopes for postseason play alive, and they faced off against the struggling Racers (1-10), who have been unable to find the winning formula this season. After a slow start offensively, Kentucky exploded in the first half, leading 24-0 at the halftime break, which marked their best scoring performance in six games. They amassed a total of 582 yards against a Murray State defense that has struggled throughout the year.
The momentum shift began with an unusual play when KaVan Reed seemed to intercept a poorly thrown deep pass from Vandagriff but accidentally batted it into the hands of receiver Hardley Gilmore IV. Gilmore seized the opportunity, taking the 52-yard pass for his first career touchdown. Despite a later interception by Reed on their next possession, Kentucky responded with a 3-yard rushing touchdown from Demie Sumo-Kargnbaye and a 17-yard touchdown pass from Vandagriff to Ja’Mori Maclin, alongside Alex Raynor’s initial field goal of the game. In the latter half, Boley took the reins and tossed touchdown passes of 22 and 14 yards to Anthony Brown-Stephens.
Vandagriff, cleared to participate just a day before after recovering from a concussion, completed 12 of 19 attempts for 183 yards. Boley also excelled, connecting on 10 of 14 passes for 130 yards. On the opposing side, Murray State managed to score with field goals of 32 and 36 yards from James London, yet they could only muster a total of 256 offensive yards, resulting in their eighth consecutive loss.
The game was notable for its high number of penalties, resembling a caution-flag-laden NASCAR event with 24 penalties called in total, alongside a significant number that were declined. Murray State was penalized 15 times for a total of 112 yards, while Kentucky followed closely with nine penalties for 87 yards.
Looking at the implications of the game, Murray State’s effort saw them avoid being shut out for the third time this season. However, the Racers settled into another season of disappointment with single-digit scores appearing frequently. Offensive penalties hindered their progress, revealing a defense that continued to struggle against an offense that had its issues.
As for Kentucky, whether this victory sets them on a course for a bowl appearance remains uncertain as they approach tough upcoming games against No. 3 Texas and No. 22 Louisville. Nevertheless, the Wildcats showcased the offensive capabilities they had been striving to achieve throughout the season.
In their next outings, Murray State will head to Southern Illinois to wrap up their season in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, while Kentucky is set to take on No. 3 Texas next Saturday.