LEXINGTON — Kentucky is bowl eligible for the fourth straight season under Mark Stoops, as the Cats defeated UT-Martin 50-7. Kentucky broke a school record in the game with 465 rushing yards. UT-Martin had -12 rushing yards in the game.
On the very first play from scrimmage, UT Martin had a bad snap that goes into the end zone. Quarterback John Bachius tried to throw it away but couldn't get the ball back to the line of scrimmage, resulting in a safety. Kentucky took an early 2-0 lead.
For the second straight series, UT Martin had another bad snap that went into the end zone. This time it was recovered by Yusuf Corker, resulting in a Kentucky touchdown. Wildcats were up 9-0 with 12:52 to play in the first quarter.
After the defense forced a three-and-out, the offense took over at its own 37 yard line. One play later, A.J. Rose took it 63 yards to the house for the touchdown. 16-0 the Wildcats led with 10:33 to play in the opening quarter. And just like that Kentucky was already dreaming of the bowl plans. But, they weren't even close to done scoring.
Kentucky would maintain the 16-0 lead after the first quarter. The defense had four sacks and only allowed -6 yards of total offense from UT Martin.
Offensively, the Wildcats had some bursts on the ground, but the passing game was unsurprisingly non-existent. Lynn Bowden has started the game 0-6 with an interception, and only had one carry early into the second quarter.
Midway through the second, the offense showed more life after Bowden broke off a career long 58 yard rush. He later capped off the drive with a 2 yard touchdown. Chance Poore missed the PAT, but Kentucky was still in control up 22-0 with 5:36 to play in the half.
After forcing a fumble, Kentucky would take advantage offensively. Rose started the drive with a 35 yard rush, and Bowden would finish it with a tough 9 yard touchdown run on 4th and 1. Kentucky lead 29-0 with 1:45 left in the half.
Chris Rodriguez scored the teams first touchdown in second half from two yards out to put Kentucky up 36-0. Backups were plugged in from there as Kentucky is bowl eligible with the 50-7 win.
