Kentucky Kicker Matt Ruffolo Unlikely Governor's Cup MVP

by:Nick Roush•11/26/22•

RoushKSR

In a game filled with future NFL stars, you’d have to look far and wide to find the person who predicted an MVP-caliber performance from Kentucky’s placekicker. That’s exactly what the Wildcats got from Matt Ruffolo on Senior Day at Kroger Field.

Entering his final home game, the maligned Kentucky kicker had missed more field goals over the last three weeks (4) than he had made (3). Kentucky ranked No. 122 out of 131 FBS teams in field goal accuracy, making just 12-of-20 on the season (60%). You could feel the tension in the air when Ruffolo stepped onto the field in the second quarter to attempt 43-yard field goal. When it flew through the uprights, the BBN let out a collective sigh of relief.

“I was so happy for him,” Will Levis said following the win. “I know the special teams unit has gotten a lot of flack all year, but Matt is such an incredible dude, a friend of mine. For him to go out there and nail four-for-four field goals and two extra points… he’s always got that, player of the game.”

Ruffolo made three more field goals from 29, 35 and 40 yards out to keep Louisville at arm’s length. Following the 26-13 Kentucky victory he received the Howard Schnellenberger Award, given each year to the MVP of the Governor’s Cup. He’s the first kicker to ever win the award and only the third non-QB to receive the honor.

“It hasn’t been the best year on the field,” Ruffolo said following the win. “But to end on that note — 4-for-4, perfect on extra points — it feels really good, especially doing it against Louisville. It always feels good to do it against them.”

Matt Ruffolo received the Louisville Slugger bat from the Louisville Sports Commission, but credited the entire unit for a successful kicking operation. Still, there was one surreal moment from the former walk-on. As he walked off the field, a group of fans chanted his name.

“That was special,” said Ruddolo. “Usually when you go out there, there’s always that one kid that wants every player’s autograph. ‘Ah, he probably has no clue who I am.’ Getting to hear that chanting, it was really cool. My family came down on the field after, they were walking out with me, for them to see that, it was just really special to me, a special way to end it.”