In one of the best Governor’s Cup games in recent memory, Louisville (9-3) defeated Kentucky 44-40 to close out the regular season on Saturday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

Bolin stops bowling

Starting quarterback Reggie Bonnafon left the game with a leg injury in the second quarter and was replaced by Kyle Bolin.  The redshirt freshman began the season at third string, but moved up a spot after Will Gardner’s season ended due to injury three weeks ago.  Bolin completed 21-of-31 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns.  He looked confident in the pocket and remained poised after throwing a pick-six and fumbling the ball that was returned for a touchdown.  Bolin’s unexpected play will go down in the rivalry’s lore as he stopped Kentucky (5-7) from bowl eligibility.  In his first snap of the game, Bolin completed a 10 yard pass to Eli Rogers and a play later threw a 45 yard touchdown pass to DeVante Parker.

9

DeVante Parker was spectacular on Senior day.  He had six catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns.  Parker’s touchdown catches were from 45, 33, and 45 yards coming in the second, third, and fourth quarter.  The senior from Ballard High School won the 2014 Howard Schnellenberger Award, given to the Governor’s Cup Most Valuable Player.

14th for 8

Fittingly, Gerod Holliman closed out the game with his fourteenth interception of the season, tying an NCAA record.

2nd and 4th

Louisville and Kentucky lit up the scoreboard in the second and fourth quarters.  Kentucky led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter, but both teams erupted for 35 points in the second quarter and Louisville went into halftime leading 21-20.  Louisville led 28-23 heading into the fourth quarter, but both teams exchanged punches until Holliman’s game clinching interception.  33 points were scored in fourth quarter, Kentucky made a field goal and scored a touchdown to take a 33-28 lead, then Louisville responded with a 6 play 96 yard drive to take a 34-33 lead.  James Sample’s interception extended the Louisville lead to 37-33 after a 35 yard field goal by John Wallace.  Kentucky countered with a 3 play 75 yard drive to take a 37-33 lead.  With 5:31 remaining, Bolin led the game winning drive.  The seven play 81 yard drive put Louisville up 44-40.

Up Next…

After conference championship games next week, Louisville will await a bowl invitation.