Wildcats Find Offensive Groove as McGowan and Boley Shine

 

The Kentucky Wildcats’ offense, which had sputtered in their first two games of the 2025 season, finally hit its stride in a decisive 48-23 victory over the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The win was a team effort, but two key players stood out: senior running back Seth McGowan, who dominated on the ground, and redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley, who, in his first start of the season, provided the much-needed spark through the air.

McGowan’s Dominance on the Ground

From the very first drive, it was clear that the Kentucky rushing attack was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Seth McGowan, a senior who has been a consistent presence in the backfield, had a monster night. He carried the ball 18 times for 104 yards and found the end zone three times, showcasing a blend of power and vision that Eastern Michigan’s defense simply couldn’t handle.

McGowan’s first touchdown came on a short 4-yard run after a quick turnover by Eastern Michigan. His second, a 12-yard scamper, came on a drive where the Wildcats methodically moved the ball down the field. His third, a powerful 8-yard run, came after a fake punt by the Eagles failed to convert. Each touchdown was a testament to his toughness and his ability to find the running lanes. He was the anchor of an offense that tallied 252 yards on the ground, a season-high for the Wildcats.

Boley’s Breakout Performance

The most significant storyline heading into the game was the quarterback situation. With starter Zach Calzada sidelined with a shoulder injury, the keys to the offense were handed to Cutter Boley, a highly-touted redshirt freshman making just his second career start. In a game that was supposed to be a test of his poise and readiness, Boley answered the call with flying colors.

Boley completed 12 of 21 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. He was a picture of calm in the pocket, showing great awareness and an ability to spread the ball around to seven different receivers. His two touchdown passes, a 3-yarder to Willie Rodriguez and a 4-yarder to Josh Kattus, were both to tight ends and showed a growing chemistry with his pass-catchers. He also demonstrated an ability to connect on long passes, with four completions of over 30 yards. This was a welcome change for a Kentucky offense that had struggled with consistency in the passing game in the first two games.

A Complete Offensive Performance

The combined efforts of McGowan and Boley led to a balanced offensive attack that was difficult for the Eagles to defend. The Wildcats’ 492 total yards were a season-high, and their 252 rushing yards and 240 passing yards provided a perfect offensive mix. The running game kept the clock moving and wore down the Eastern Michigan defense, while the passing game kept them honest and opened up big-play opportunities.

Defensive Standouts

The defense also played a crucial role in the victory, forcing a turnover on the very first play of the game when Daveren Rayner intercepted an Eastern Michigan pass. While the Eagles were able to move the ball, gaining 461 total yards, the Kentucky defense made key stops in crucial situations, including a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. The defense also recovered from a few big plays by the Eastern Michigan offense, including a 64-yard touchdown pass, and didn’t allow the Eagles to get back in the game.

Looking Ahead

The victory, which improves Kentucky’s record to 2-1, is a significant confidence booster for the team. They will now have a much-needed bye week before facing the South Carolina Gamecocks on September 27. The performance of McGowan and Boley gives the coaching staff a lot to be excited about, and with the offense finally finding its rhythm, the Wildcats will enter conference play with a new sense of momentum. The win over Eastern Michigan was a crucial step in the right direction for a team with high aspirations for the 2025 season.