No. 9 Louisville seeks to win 11th game, first Governor's Cup since 2017 against archrival Kentucky
Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo runs in for a tough down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Kentucky (6-5) at No. 9 Louisville (10-1, No. 10 CFP ), Saturday, 12 p.m. EST (ABC)
Line: Louisville by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel.com Sportsbook.
Series: Kentucky leads, 19-15.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Louisville looks to end a four-game series slide against rival Kentucky and win the Governor’s Cup for the first time since 2017 with 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. The Cardinals also seek their 11th win for the first time since 2012 before playing in their first ACC championship game. Kentucky has lost five of six overall but seeks its third consecutive winning regular season after falling 17-14 last week at South Carolina.
KEY MATCHUP
Louisville is tied for 26th nationally in scoring at 33.2 points per game and beat Miami (Florida) 38-31 last week. Quarterback Jack Plummer rang up his third three-touchdown passing game this season along with 308 yards, hitting 10 receivers. Kentucky is allowing 24.3 points and 347.8 yards per game (fourth in SEC) and must slow down an offense capable of breaking multiple big plays.
Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Credit: AP/Artie Walker Jr.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kentucky running back Ray Davis is 10 rushing yards shy of his second consecutive 1,000-yard season after totaling 1,042 last fall at Vanderbilt. The fifth-year senior leads the SEC with 17 total touchdowns, including 12 rushing, and is third in rushing yardage. Davis, who would become Kentucky’s 11th 1,000-yard rusher in a season, ranks fourth among active NCAA rushers with 3,487 career yards.
Louisville running backs Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo have combined for 1,594 yards and 19 touchdowns. Jordan is the Cardinals’ first 1,000-yard runner since 2019 and leads the ACC with 6.73 yards per carry. Guerendo has gained 333 yards with five scores the past three games and has totaled a career-high 585 yards after transferring from Wisconsin.
FACTS & FIGURES
Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer (13) scrambles as he looks for a teammate under pressure from Miami linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (51) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Kentucky has won the past four meetings by a 176-57 margin, including 26-13 last year in Lexington. ... Wildcats QB Devin Leary has passed for 2,234 yards and 20 TDs. ... Cardinals offensive lineman Trevonte Sylvester, tight end Nate Kurisky and backup QB Evan Conley all scored TDs against the Hurricanes. ... Louisville ranks 21st nationally in total defense (317.0 yards per game) and is tied for 34th with 28 sacks. ... Backup Nick Lopez kicked a 40-yard field goal and point after at Miami after replacing Brock Travelstead.
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