SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ

Nov 21, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Jojo Kemp (3) runs the ball against Charlotte 49ers defensive back Devin Pearson (19) in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

It had been a while, but the Kentucky Wildcats finally had some fun – and finally got a win – Saturday in a 58-10 victory over college football’s newest FBS member, Charlotte.

Looking to give the offense a spark, quarterback Drew Barker made his first career start for the Wildcats and completed 16 of 29 pass attempts for 129 yards. However, Kentucky leaned heavily on the run game and rolled up 415 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 44 carries – an incredible 9.4 yards per attempt.

Jojo Kemp led the way for the Wildcats with 165 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 11 attempts and Boom Williams was close behind with 140 yards and two scores on 16 carries. Kemp and Williams both scored on long touchdown runs, including a 47-yarder for Kemp and a 53-yard burst for Williams. Sihiem King added 91 yards on five carries and scored his first career touchdown on a 62-yarder in the fourth quarter.

The Kentucky defense also played extremely well and surrendered just 233 total yards to the 49ers and forced three turnovers, including a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mike Edwards.

Now 5-6, Kentucky needs one more victory to secure a bowl bid for the first time since 2010. The Wildcats host rival Louisville next Saturday.

Next Game: Saturday November 28 vs. Louisville

Next: Auburn