LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky was looking to snap a three game losing streak with Arkansas visiting Kroger Field. Lynn Bowden made big plays all night from the quarterback position to help UK do just that. The Wildcats beat the Razorbacks 24-20.
The night started with a celebration to Jared Lorenzen, the former UK quarterback, who passed away in July at the age of 38. His family, former teammates and Coach Rich Brooks were on hand to see a tribute to Lorenzen before the game started.
When it did, Arkansas wasted little time scoring. On the second play of the game, Rakeem Boyd took the hand off and hit the right sideline to score from 74 yards out.
Kentucky started Lynn Bowden at quarterback although Sawyer Smith was dressed out and on the sideline--even warming up from time to time. Bowden was able to move the offense mainly on the ground. He didn't complete a pass until the 2nd quarter. Then, down 13-0, Bowden led a drive 10 play, 75 yard drive that he finished off with a 3 yard run. UK only trailing at the half, 13-7.
Bowden was 4-4 for 65 yards passing. He also ran for 45 more yards on 11 carries.
Kentucky got the ball to start the second half and UK was not only able to use almost six minutes of the quarter but also take on three points. Matt Ruffalo lined up for a 45 yard field goal but a false start moved it back and he easily connected from 50 yards away to cut the Arkansas lead to 13-10.
The UK defense continued to shut down the Razorbacks and the Cats got the ball back. Bowden led another scoring drive which included an 11 yard run, A.J. Rose carried one 20 yards and then, Bowden finished it with a 10 yard pass to Clevan Thomas for his first passing touchdown and Thomas' first receiving touchdown. UK would take a 17-13 lead.
Arkansas would be forced to punt and downed it at the UK two yard line. Kentucky couldn't get away from the shadows of the goal line and had to punt. After a good return, the Razorbacks scored in three plays as Rakeem Boyd carried it in from two yards out.
Kentucky got it back and put together a 6 play 75 yard drive as Kavosiey Smoke went 25 yards, Rose carried for 27 yards and Bowden finished it off from 24 yards out. UK gets the 24-20 lead.
Arkansas would move the ball but had to go for it on 4th and 15 with 2:36 to play.
Bowden wasn't interested in running out the clock. He ran for 5 yards, then 51 yards and 15 more to get deep in to Arkansas territory. Then UK ran out the clock to win 24-20. Bowden finished 7-11 passing for 78 yards and a touchdown. He carried the ball 24 times for 196 yards on the ground.
UK improves to 3-3 overall on the season, 1-3 in the SEC. The Wildcats travel to Georgia next Saturday where the kickoff time is still to be determined. Either 3:30 or 6:00.
