The five touchdowns set a Kentucky freshman record for touchdown passes in a game.
Kentucky (2-5, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) had a pair of players with 100-yard receiving games for the first time since 2022. DJ Miller caught five passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, while teammate Kendrick Law caught two passes for 10 yards and a score.
Tennessee (6-2, 3-2) got the first possession of the game and the Vols quickly got across midfield. Two plays later, Tennessee scored on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Joey Aguilar to Chris Brazzell. The PAT by Max Gilbert was good and the Vols led 7-0.
Kentucky’s first possession saw the Cats get a first down on a pair of Boley scrambles, but UK would be forced to punt and the Vols took over at their own 17 yard line with 11:32 left in the first period.
The Kentucky defense would stand tall on the next drive, forcing a three-and-out when Daveren Rayner sacked Aguilar for an 11-yard loss. Tennessee punted and UK took over at its own 46.
On Kentucky’s ensuing possession, the Cats faced a third-and-10 near midfield when Boley was intercepted by Edrees Farooq, who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Gilbert added the point after and the Vols led 14-0 with 6:56 left in the first quarter.
The Cats would strike back with a scoring drive of their own. On the second play of the possession, Boley hit Law in the flat, and the speedster turned the corner and outran the Tennessee defense for a touchdown. Jacob Kauwe added the extra point and UK cut the Tennessee lead to 14-7 with 6:19 left in the first period.
The teams would exchange punts before Tennessee struck again. The Vols covered 72 yards in just five plays, ending with a one-yard touchdown rush by Star Thomas. Gilbert added another PAT and the Vols led 21-7 with 1:49 left in the first.
On Kentucky’s next possession, Hardley Gilmore IV caught a pass, but fumbled and a mad scramble ensued. In the end, Tennessee recovered inside the UK red zone. The quarter would expire with the Vols holding a 21-7 lead.
On the third play of the second quarter, DeSean Bishop scored on a one-yard touchdown rush. Gilbert added the PAT and Tennessee led 28-7.
Kentucky would strike back on its next possession with another big pass play. The Cats covered 75 yards in just three plays, ending with a 56-yard touchdown strike from Boley to Miller. Kauwe added the point after and UK cut the deficit to 28-14 with 12:39 left in the half.
The Vols would punt on their next possession and the Cats took over at their own four yard line with 10:12 left in the half. From there, UK would go on a very long drive, covering 96 yards in 16 plays, ending with a three-yard touchdown pass from Boley to JJ Hester. Kauwe added the point after and UK cut the deficit to 28-21 with 1:37 left in the half.
Tennessee made the most of the remaining time. The Vols marched 75 yards in 10 quick plays, culminating with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Aguilar to Ethan Davis. Gilbert made another PAT and the Vols led 35-21 with five seconds left in the half. That would be the halftime score.
Kentucky got the first possession of the third quarter. The Cats were able to move into Tennessee territory on a 32-yard completion from Boley to Law. However, the drive stalled and the Cats punted it back to the Vols, who took over at their own 30.
The Vols needed just two plays to cover the 70 yards. Aguilar connected with Mike Matthews for a 62-yard touchdown pass. Gilbert added the PAT and Tennessee led 42-21.
On the ensuing drive, Kentucky was again able to march into Tennessee territory. However, the drive stalled and Kauwe’s 55-yard field goal came up just short. The Vols would score on the following drive to extend the lead to 49-21.
Kentucky would respond with a scoring drive of its own. UK went 75 yards in 10 plays, culminating with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Boley to Miller. UK went for two, but was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 49-27. That would be the score after three quarters.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Vols extended their lead to 56-27. The Cats would score again, on Boley’s fifth touchdown of the night. The freshman connected with Hester for a second time, this one a seven-yard score. Kauwe’s PAT made it 56-34.
Kentucky returns to action next week, hitting the road and facing Auburn. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on the SEC Network.