By Andrew Hornback
The annual battle for the Governor’s Cup between the University of Louisville Cardinals and rival University of Kentucky Wildcats played out to be a back-and-forth battle with the Wildcats pulling off the win, 31-27 Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.
After trailing 17-7 at halftime, the Cards came out and dominated the third quarter, forcing and recovering two fumbles, and picking off Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline in between on the Kentucky 25.
The Cards were unable to capitalize on the good field position created by the turnovers, recording only three total points off the three turnovers.
Even with the lack of offensive production after creating the turnovers, the Cards were able to cut the lead to 17-13 after the third quarter, and took a 27-24 lead at the 8:55 mark in the fourth on a 66-yard touchdown reception by Trent Guy. The touchdown was the first by quarterback Justin Burke as a Cardinal, and the longest in Guy’s career.
On the ensuing Wildcat possession, the Cards held them to a 4th and 5 at the Kentucky 45, leading to a punt by the Wildcats. Guy fumbled the punt return, which led to a Kentucky score. This score turned out to be the deciding touchdown of the game.
Special teams’ miscues also hindered the Cards. Kicker Ryan Payne missed a field goal in the third quarter that would have cut the Wildcat lead to four. Special teams defense blew coverage, as Kentucky punter returner Derrick Locke was able to return a 100-yard kickoff in the first quarter. Both plays turned out to impact the Cards’ chances of winning as the game wore on.
Statistically, the Cards improved offensively from their first game against Indiana State as quarterback Justin Burke threw for 245 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Burke didn’t find the end zone against the Sycamores in the Cards’ opener.
Running back Victor Anderson recorded his first 100 yard rushing game of the season, gaining 110 yards on 19 carries, highlighted by a 35 yard run to open the game. Anderson didn’t have much help on the ground, as the rest of the Cards combined for only 23 yards on 21 carries.
The offense as a whole out gained the Wildcats 378 yards to 346, but the Wildcats were able to make better use of the Cards’ mistakes. In several key red zone situations, the Kentucky defense either completely stopped the Cardinal offense or forced a field goal.
The Cards will travel to Salt Lake City next weekend to take on their first ranked opponent of the season, No. 18 Utah. The Utes (2-1), won their last meeting with the Cards in 2007 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, 44-35.
