Lexington — Closer than in the past but still painfully cruel for the University of Louisville football team as the Governor’s Cup rivalry game belonged to Kentucky, 26-13, before 58,727. The fourth straight loss to the Wildcats
UofL (7-5) could never get untracked offensively while the defense which played well at times gave up drives of 86, 62, -5 (field goal after turnover), 40, 16 and 60.
While the Cardinals have improved they are still not good enough to beat the Wildcats who had lost two straight.
“I think those of you who follow us know this,” said Scott Satterfield. “In the games we won we created turnovers, ran the ball and didn’t turn it over. That was our recipe for success. They turned us over today (three) that was the difference.”
Kentucky led 13-0 late in the second quarter when Malik Cunningham who entered the game in the second quarter led the Cards on a 12-play, 64-yard drive after a 30-yard punt return by Braden Smith.
Cunningham’s six yard run and James Turner’s PAT cut the lead to 13-7. But that was the beginning of the end as Kentucky got a field goal from Matt Ruffolo, 35 yards in the third quarter. Will Levis’ three-yard touchdown pass, his second of the game, a toss to Barion Brown put the Wildcats (7-5) up 23-7.
“They didn’t pass the ball as much, they run it,” said defensive back Josh Minkins. “When a team runs the ball like James Madison, it’s hard to get turnovers. But they just kept running the ball.”
The Cardinals put together a late touchdown drive as Domann completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Hudson who had 89 yards in receptions.
“Malik came in banged up,” said Satterfield. “He took a few snaps Friday. That’s all.” He left the game after throwing an interception where he made the tackle. We just didn’t have enough fire power offensively.”
Louisville’s best offense was Jawar Jordan who had 16 carries for 145 yards. “I want to be the feature back. But at the end of the day, it’s the W is all that matters. “We had to start fast and we failed to do that and had to finish fast,” said Jordan. “Kentucky puts a lot of guys in the box. That’s just Kentucky the way they play.”