Kentucky Intercepts Louisville to Seal Costly Second Loss of Season for Cardinals

The Governor’s Cup remains in Lexington, Kentucky after the Cardinals’ loss.

Louisville was 15 minutes away from snapping a four-game losing streak against Kentucky and bringing the Governor’s Cup back to Derby City.

Despite taking a 24–21 lead into the fourth quarter, Wildcats running back Ray Davis and Kentucky’s defense stole the show. Davis registered two touchdown receptions in the second half and massive 37-yard touchdown run with nearly a minute to play in the game, giving the Cardinals the 38–31 advantage.

Ray Davis. Absolute beast.

His breakout for Kentucky has been so fun to watch this year. I’d take him early Day 3 with how smart and powerful he is running the ball. #NFLDraft https://t.co/QaYMSze97W

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) November 25, 2023

Although Cardinals quarterback Jack Plummer led the Louisville’s offense down to the Wildcats’ 39 with 14 seconds left and a chance to force overtime, his pass to the end zone was picked off on the next play by Jordan Lovett, sealing the victory for Kentucky (7–5). The Wildcats outscored Louisville 17–7 in the fourth quarter and earned their fifth consecutive victory in the rivalry.

Beyond Louisville losing its season finale, the loss gave the Cardinals their second of the season and eliminated any chance of hope for a shot at the College Football Playoff heading into their matchup against Florida State in the ACC Championship game on Dec. 2 in Charlotte.

Louisville (10–2, 7–1) will make its first appearance in the ACC title game since joining the conference in 2014.