SEC Power Rankings: Alabama is SEC’s only elite team

Nov 28, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker James Burgess (13) tackles Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Drew Barker (7) in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Louisville defeated Kentucky 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight season, the Kentucky Wildcats got off to a hot start but faltered down the stretch and came up one win shy of bowl eligibility. It was fitting that the Wildcats jumped out to a 21-0 lead in their season finale against rival Louisville only to be blown out 38-3 afterward in a 38-24 loss Saturday.

The Kentucky defense was on fire early in the game and forced three interceptions that led directly to 17 points in the first half – including one Josh Forrest returned 81 yards for a touchdown – and the Wildcats held Louisville to a modest 174 total yards before taking a 24-7 lead into the locker room.

But, Kentucky struggled to move the football after the first quarter (the Wildcats had 148 total yards in the first 15 minutes but only 143 the rest of the game), and UK allowed 325 total yards after halftime as the Cardinals cruised to a fifth consecutive victory over their in-state rival.

Quarterback Drew Barker struggled in his second career start and threw for 128 yards on 6-for-22 passing. Barker scored a rushing touchdown, but was also sacked three times. Patrick Towles entered late and completed three of four passes for 71 yards, but was also intercepted.

Kentucky struggled to run the football, especially after Boom Williams exited the game due to injury after gaining 37 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Three other Wildcats’ ball carriers combined to gain just 55 rushing yards on 30 carries – 1.8 yards per carry.

Next Game: End of Regular Season

Next: Auburn