At the half: Kentucky leads Eastern Michigan under the lights

Cutter Boley’s second career start and his first of 2025 is off to a promising beginning under the lights at Kroger Field. The homegrown redshirt-freshman quarterback led Kentucky‘s offense to four first-half touchdowns, including his first scoring connection with tight end Willie Rodriguez, a fellow second-year Wildcat from the 2024 recruiting class, and another to tight end Josh Kattus. New transfer running back Seth McGowan scored the other two touchdowns, his fourth and fifth rushing touchdowns of the season.

But while the offense showed signs of life, Kentucky’s defense took a step backward from carrying the team in Weeks 1 and 2. After intercepting a pass on the first play of the game, missed tackles and poor pursuit angles helped the Eagles string together a pair of long field-goal drives, then a 64-yard touchdown and another field goal right before halftime. It was another end-of-half blunder by the Wildcats, allowing 10 points in two minutes.

Still, Kentucky is in a comfortable spot against winless Eastern Michigan through two quarters under the lights in Lexington. The Wildcats lead the Eagles, 28-16, as the sides go their separate ways for intermission. Hopefully, the defense shows up soon.

Halftime box: Kentucky 28, Eastern Michigan 16