Cutter Boley Briefly Sidelined as Kentucky Trails Vanderbilt 24-3 at the Half

Oct 4, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Cutter Boley (8) passes the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images — Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Cutter Boley (8) passes the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Things went from bad to worse. The Kentucky offense was lifeless for 20 minutes, gaining only 16 yards in the first four possessions. That’s when Cutter Boley appeared to find something.

The Kentucky quarterback had an explosive pass for a first down. On the ensuing snap, he evaded a defender and found an open target for a 13-yard gain. After the pass, he got rocked. His helmet went flying, and he was sent to the turf. Boley spent time in the medical tent, but was able to return on the following possession.

In his absence, Zach Calzada was picked off. Fortunately, Vanderbilt attempted to go for it on fourth and one in its own territory, giving the Cats the ball back with a chance to score. Boley couldn’t convert on third down, but Jacob Kauwe got the Cats on the scoreboard with a 47-yard field goal.

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Kentucky was held to just 54 yards before the final minute of the first half. Vanderbilt got that in one play. Diego Pavia completed a 56-yard pass to Tre Richardson in the final minute of the first half to give Vanderbilt a 24-3 lead. It was one of three first-half touchdowns for the Vanderbilt wide receiver. He also caught a 71-yarder, the longest pass of Pavia’s career. He’s 18-22 for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the depleted Kentucky secondary.

Vanderbilt gets the ball first to start the second half.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt First Half Box Score

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