Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Cutter Boley (8) scores a touchdown while holding off Murray State defensive back Chavaris Dumas (20) during the Kentucky vs. Murray State football game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 48-6.
After seeing action in games against Florida, Murray State and No. 3 Texas, freshman quarterback Cutter Boley will see his first start under center in Kentucky’s season finale in the Governor’s Cup against Louisville.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops shrugs during the Kentucky vs. Texas football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Kentucky lost 31-14.
Kentucky football loses to No. 3 Texas 31-14
Kentucky Wildcats running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (0) fights through the Texas defense during the Kentucky vs. Texas football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
Kentucky football falls short 31-14 to No. 3 Texas
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) points after reaching the first down marker during the football game vs. Murray State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens (5) gets tackled by Murray State Defenders during the football game vs. Murray State on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 48-6.
RAPID-FIRE RECAP: Two pros and cons from Kentucky football’s win over Murray State
The decision to move former starter Brock Vandagriff to the bench in favor of Boley comes after the Kentucky native completed 10 of his 18 attempts for 160 yards in the second half of the Cats’ game against the Longhorns.
“I thought he handled himself very well,” Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops said in his Monday press conference. “I thought he had a lot of poise in the pocket (and) had the vision to hit open receivers. You saw a lot of good things. He deserves the opportunity to get a start here this week.”
Boley being named the starter at this point in the season indicates an obvious acknowledgment of the future of the program, with Stoops reiterating throughout the season that he believes Boley will have a bright future in blue and white.
Junior tight end Josh Kattus said after the Cats’ loss to Texas that he believes just as such.
“The kid has definitely proved himself the past two games, and he continues to work hard, and it’s paying off for him,” Kattus said. “So, I’m excited about the future with Cutter.”
After having his first collegiate pass attempt picked off and taken back for a touchdown against Florida and seeing action in the second half of the Cats’ bout against the Murray State Racers, Boley will look to see if he can get Kentucky its sixth straight Governor’s Cup victory.
That game will take place this Saturday, with kickoff set for noon ET as Kentucky looks to get its fifth win of the season.
