Louisville (UL) and Kentucky (UK) stand among the most historic rivalries in college sports. Traditionally, basketball was considered UK’s domain while football belonged to UL. However, recent years have witnessed a shift in the tide, with the Wildcats securing victories in every Governor’s Cup matchup since 2018 (excluding 2020 due to COVID). Kentucky now leads the all-time head-to-head matchup 20-15. Let’s explore this one-sided affair by reviewing each of their last five matchups and exploring how Kentucky emerged victorious.
2018: UK wins 56-10
The Wildcats’ winning streak started with an utter dominance over their in-state rivals. Entering the game more highly rated than ever before against the Cards, Kentucky showcased their prowess. Quarterback Terry Wilson went on to win the Howard Schnellenberger Award given to the most valuable player in each Governor’s Cup game. He delivered an outstanding performance with his arm and legs, finishing the game with over 350 total yards and four touchdowns.
Photo Cred: NKyTribune
2019: UK wins 45-13
UK continued their dominance in another resounding win, with the MVP going to a QB once again, Lynn Bowden. Bowden’s contribution was not through the air, where he only completed only one pass for four yards. Rather, he had a ground assault of nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. The Wildcats established their winning streak by overpowering UL on the ground.
Photo Cred: The Courier-Journal
2021: UK wins 52-21
Kentucky maintained their momentum, even amid the challenges of COVID, extending their winning streak to three. The Wildcats have averaged about 50 points per game in the three straight wins. A familiar face, quarterback Will Levis, secured the MVP to become the third consecutive Kentucky QB to do so. Levis, like Bowden before him, found success on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards and four touchdowns. Louisville has found themselves in a rut against the Cats, leaving Kentucky fans with little sympathy for their rivals!
Photo Cred: X.com
2022: UK wins 26-13
In the lowest-scoring game of the past five years, the 2022 Governor’s Cup saw Kentucky’s kicker, Matt Ruffolo, named MVP. He was flawless, nailing all four field goal attempts alongside both his PATs. These points made him responsible for 14 out of the team’s 26 points, which was enough to win him the award. This was Kentucky’s ugliest win throughout the win streak. While this was arguably the least dominant in the streak, they still beat the Cards by two possessions, proving that a win is a win in the end.
Photo Cred: The Courier-Journal
2023: UK wins 38-31
Finally, I had the pleasure of watching our most recent matchup in person. 2023 marked a departure from the norm. Louisville, with a dominant season record of 10-1, faced a struggling Kentucky that was limping into the matchup at 6-5. The hope for Louisville fans was high: this was the year they beat the Cats. As a Wildcats fan, I honestly thought they would. The game started in their favor and, by halftime, they were leading a close but low-scoring affair.
Photo Cred: The Courier-Journal
Suddenly, the game took an unexpected turn in the second half. It became a shootout with fumbles, interceptions, and even a kickoff return influencing the score. Louisville’s costly fumbles, which put UK into good field position multiple times, might have lost them the game. Kentucky ultimately ended their rival’s season on a sour note once again, starting a losing streak that extended to the ACC Championship against Florida State. UK linebacker J.J. Weaver emerged as the MVP in a close and thrilling contest. As Louisville’s brightest season came to a close, the losing streak against the Wildcats continued. The question remains: can the Cards break the streak next year, or will Kentucky make it six in a row?
