LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky returned home to host Missouri and would take a 22-0 lead at the half.
The game started in a driving rain and both teams had trouble moving it on their opening possessions. Missouri would put together a good drive on their second possession that resulted in a field goal attempt. The 45 yarder from Tucker McCann was wide right and Kentucky would take over.
UK was only able to move the sticks on yet another pass interference call on the defender guarding Ahmad Wagner. Then, as Lynn Bowden was running he fumbled the ball away near midfield.
The Wildcats got the ball back and at the start of the second quarter, Bowden fired a deep pass to Bryce Oliver for a gain of 44 yards. Bowden followed that up with an 18 yard run. Then, Kavosiey Smoke followed that up by jumping over the pile to score the touchdown to give UK a 6-0 lead after Matt Ruffalo missed the extra point.
Kentucky drove into Missouri territory and after another run, Bowden was unable to get up. Sawyer Smith was forced to come into the game. He handed the ball of a couple of times before throwing a pass that went off the hands of Oliver and into the hands of Josh Ali. Bowden came back in and handed it off to A.J. Rose, who went 20 yards for the score. Ruffalo's extra point went off the goal post for a 12-0 UK lead.
Kentucky's defense would force another punt and then Bowden had another big play. The junior took off on a 46 yard run to get down to the Missouri 30 yard line. It led to a Chance Poore 43 yard field goal and 15-0 lead for the Cats.
Missouri got it back and instead of running out the clock tried to make something happen. Jordan Wright hit Kelly Bryant and forced a fumble that was recovered by Cedric Dort at the Missouri 20. Just two plays later, Bowden carried it in for a 10 yard touchdown and UK would lead 22-0 at the half.
