Ball State Cardinals traveled to Kentucky to face the Wildcats at Kroger Field
Once again, it’s game day in the Bluegrass! With today’s Ball State vs Kentucky football game, the University of Kentucky celebrates the start of its historic 133rd season. They’ve got an impressive track record, going 91-37-5 in all-time season openers. Under the leadership of Mark Stoops, they’ve won 8 of their last 11 opening games. The Wildcats have made it a habit, winning 13 of their past 17 season openers. Kentucky leads the all-time series with Ball State, boasting a flawless 2-0 record. The last time these teams faced off, the Wildcats came out on top with a thrilling 28-20 victory in 2001.
The Wildcats are on a roll, with an impressive winning streak of 17 straight regular-season nonconference games. And the streaks do not stop there – they’ve won 15 consecutive nonconference games at Kroger Field.
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Game Final Score
TheBall State vs Kentucky football final game score was 14-44. This brings the Cats to 1-0 on the season, and adds another win tohead coach Mark Stoops’ record as the winningest coach all-time for the University of Kentucky football program.
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Recap
Kentucky’s senior transfer quarterback, Devin Leary, made a memorable debut, completing 18 of his 31 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and just one interception. He surpassed the impressive 7,000-yard passing mark in his college career, now boasting a total of 7,048 yards after his first game with UK. Leary’s accuracy was on point, connecting on 10 of his last 11 passes in the game.
Not to be outdone, senior transfer running back Ray Davis had an outstanding UK debut as well. With 14 carries, Davis racked up an impressive 112 yards and scored two touchdowns. This marked his 10th game rushing for over 100 yards, and the fourth time in his last five games. Davis also made history, becoming the first UK player to achieve 100 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns in a season opener since 2018.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Sophomore wide receiver Dane Key had an impressive game, leading all UK receivers with five receptions for a career-high 96 yards and one touchdown. Key joined an elite group of players, becoming the first UK player to score a touchdown receiving in the season opener of both their freshman and sophomore seasons since 2014-2015.
But it wasn’t just the offense that shined. Sophomore wide receiver Barion Brown stole the show in all-purpose yards, amassing an impressive 156 yards, including a dazzling 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This marked the second consecutive season opener and second career game in which he scored on a kickoff return. Brown’s performance puts him among the ranks of legendary UK players with multiple kickoff return touchdowns.
The defense showed up in a big way as well. Junior inside linebacker Trevin Wallace led the team with a career-high-tying 12 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and a half sack. Additionally, defensive back Alex Afari Jr. made eight tackles and forced a crucial fumble that led to Kentucky’s first scoop-and-score since 2019.
And let’s not forget the special teams. Senior transfer kicker Alex Raynor connected on all three of his field goal attempts, including two impressive kicks from 46 yards. His flawless performance helped secure Kentucky’s victory. Raynor became the first UK player to achieve three made field goals in their UK debut since 2002.
With incredible debuts and standout performances across the board, Kentucky’s football team proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to light up the field in future games.
Kentucky football is thriving, and the season is just getting started. Stay tuned for more thrilling victories, explosive plays, and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. Go Wildcats!
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Box Score
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Highlights Video:
Full Game Highlights
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are eager to keep the momentum going in their three-game homestand, starting with a clash against Eastern Kentucky on September 9th. So grab our new It’s A Party Shirt, Talk Tailgate Tshirt, or some Kentucky Gear, and set your alarms for 3 p.m. ET and catch all the action on ESPN+.
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