When people talk about uk vs murray state football, they usually expect a blowout. It's the classic David vs. Goliath setup, except in college football, Goliath usually has a much better NIL collective and a 100,000-square-foot weight room. Honestly, looking at the history of these two programs, it’s easy to just check the final score and move on.
But if you actually care about Kentucky football or the grit of the OVC (now Big South-OVC), there’s a lot more under the hood.
Last time these two met in November 2024, the outcome was exactly what the Vegas sharps predicted: a 48-6 shellacking by the Wildcats. But that game was weirdly important for Kentucky. They were coming off a miserable four-game losing streak. Mark Stoops was feeling the heat. Fans were grumbling. The "Cat-mosphere" at Kroger Field was, frankly, a bit tense.
The Day the Future Arrived (November 16, 2024)
You’ve probably heard of Brock Vandagriff. He was the big-name transfer, the guy who was supposed to stabilize the offense. In that Murray State game, he did his job, throwing for 183 yards and two scores. But the real story? That was Cutter Boley.
Boley is the homegrown kid, a freshman from Hodgenville with an arm that makes scouts drool. He stepped in during the second half and looked... well, he looked like the future. He went 10-of-14 for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Seeing him connect with Anthony Brown-Stephens for those two scores felt like a turning point. It wasn't just about beating an FCS team; it was about seeing if the blue-chip recruit actually had "it."
He did.
Murray State, on the other hand, was just trying to survive. They entered that game with a 1-10 record and a defense that was statistically one of the worst in the FCS. It’s a tough spot for the Racers. They get a nice paycheck for playing in Lexington, but they also have to line up against SEC speed.
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Let’s Look at the Numbers (The Cold, Hard Truth)
If you’re into the stats, here’s how that last matchup shook out:
- Total Yards: Kentucky 582, Murray State 259.
- Rushing: Jamarion Wilcox (UK) went absolutely nuclear with 123 yards on just 13 carries.
- Third Downs: The Racers were a painful 1-of-12.
- Penalties: This was the ugly part. There were 24 yellow flags in total. Murray State had 15 of them. It felt like a NASCAR race with a caution flag every three laps.
Why Do These Teams Even Play?
It’s a fair question. Why does a team like Kentucky, fighting for bowl eligibility in the SEC, play a team that hasn't won a game in two months?
Money and reps.
Murray State gets a "guarantee" payment. This money literally funds their athletic department for the year. For Kentucky, it’s a "get right" game. It’s a chance to let guys like Jamarion Wilcox or Hardley Gilmore IV get live-game experience without the terrifying pressure of playing Georgia or Texas.
Gilmore’s touchdown in that 2024 game was one of the luckiest plays I've seen in a while. A pass was underthrown, deflected off a Murray State defender, and literally fell into Gilmore's lap as he ran into the end zone. Sometimes, you just need a little "Lexington Luck" to break a losing streak.
The All-Time Record: A Short History
There isn't a long, storied rivalry here. They’ve only played a handful of times since 2003.
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- 2003: Kentucky won 37-6.
- 2018: Kentucky won 48-10.
- 2024: Kentucky won 48-6.
Basically, if you’re a Murray State fan, you’re hoping to cover the spread. If you’re a Kentucky fan, you’re hoping nobody gets injured.
The 2018 game was actually pretty significant because that was the year Kentucky went 10-3 and won the Citrus Bowl. Benny Snell was the star then, and he used the Murray State game to pad his stats on the way to becoming the program's all-time leading rusher.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People assume Kentucky is just "bullying" a smaller school. In reality, Mark Stoops has a lot of respect for the Murray State program. He often talks about how hard those kids play. And honestly, they do. Even in the 48-6 loss, James London managed to nail two field goals. They didn't get shut out. They fought for every yard.
The gap between the SEC and the FCS is widening, though. With the transfer portal, the best players at schools like Murray State often get "poached" by bigger programs. It makes it nearly impossible for the Racers to build the depth needed to compete with a team like the Wildcats.
Defensive Dominance
In the most recent meeting, Kentucky's defense was suffocating. Jordan Lovett, the safety, had two interceptions. One was at the Kentucky 9-yard line when Murray State was actually threatening to score.
If you're looking for why the Wildcats dominated, look at the line of scrimmage. Tre’vonn Rybka was in the backfield constantly. When you can’t run the ball (Murray State had only 90 rushing yards), and you’re forced to pass against SEC defensive backs, bad things happen.
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The Racers used two different quarterbacks, Jayden Johanssen and Jim Ogle, but neither could find a rhythm. They were under constant duress.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- The Quarterback Battle: The 2024 game effectively ended the debate about who the future of Kentucky football was. It was Boley.
- The Ground Game: Kentucky’s offensive line finally found some push. They averaged 5.8 yards per carry as a team.
- Kicking Consistency: Alex Raynor continued his insane streak, extending his record to 18 straight field goals. In a season where everything else was shaky, Raynor was the one thing fans could count on.
The Actionable Insight
If you're following uk vs murray state football in the future, don't just look at the point spread.
Watch the freshman. Watch the second-string offensive line. These games are the only time we get to see the "depth" of the roster in a non-scrimmage environment. For Murray State, it’s a measuring stick. For Kentucky, it’s an audition for the next season.
Next time these teams are scheduled, keep an eye on the injury report. Usually, Stoops will hold out star players who are "banged up" to ensure they are ready for the rivalry game against Louisville or the season finale. This gives us a raw look at the young talent.
If you want to support these programs, the best thing you can do is actually show up. The attendance for the 2024 game was over 48,000. That’s a lot of people for an FCS matchup, but it shows how much the state of Kentucky loves its football.
Whether you’re a member of the Big Blue Nation or a Racer for life, this game represents the hierarchy of Kentucky football. It’s not always a nail-biter, but it’s always a part of the fabric of the season.
Keep an eye on the recruiting trails for both schools. Many players who start at Murray State end up being key contributors at bigger schools via the portal, and many Kentucky players who don't see the field in Lexington find a home in Murray. It's a revolving door of talent that keeps both programs moving forward.
Next Steps for You: Check the updated SEC standings to see how that 2024 win impacted Kentucky's bowl eligibility, or head over to the Murray State athletics site to see their upcoming Big South-OVC schedule.