While the 2024 Kentucky football team fell short of securing a bowl game, and that is bad; the program’s storied past offers plenty of reasons to reflect and celebrate. Over the years, the Wildcats have delivered some unforgettable moments in bowl history. Here’s a look at a few of their greatest victories:
1. Sugar Bowl: Kentucky 13, Oklahoma 7
Babe Parilli, QB
— Lisa (@KYChaos) August 25, 2021
Led #7 Kentucky to victory over #1 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, January1, 1951. pic.twitter.com/QXxC9WwIng
The Wildcats stunned the college football world by defeating heavily favored Oklahoma, ending the Sooners’ 31-game winning streak. Under legendary coach Bear Bryant, Kentucky's stifling defense held Oklahoma to just seven points, cementing this as the program's greatest bowl victory.
2. Citrus Bowl: Kentucky 27, Penn State 24
Kentucky defeats Penn State to win the Citrus Bowl!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 1, 2019
This is the Wildcats' first 10-win season since 1977 👀 pic.twitter.com/IWkUVJVd9v
In what many consider the second-biggest bowl win in program history, Kentucky capped off a 10-win season by toppling Penn State. Benny Snell rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the school’s all-time rushing record in the process. Josh Allen also shined, anchoring a defense that held off a late Penn State rally.
3. Music City Bowl: Kentucky 28, Clemson 20
On this day in 2006, Rich Brooks leads UK to its first bowl win in 22 years, a 28-20 Music City Bowl win vs Clemson. pic.twitter.com/DtEpKb9YAD
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) December 30, 2015
After a 22-year drought, Kentucky finally returned to the bowl win column. Coach Rich Brooks led the Cats to victory over Clemson, fueled by quarterback André Woodson’s stellar performance. This victory set the stage for two more consecutive Music City Bowl wins under Brooks, reigniting Kentucky football's postseason relevance.
4. Belk Bowl: Kentucky 37, Virginia Tech 30
Lynn Bowden Jr. of @UKFootball ran for 233 yards in today's Belk Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 31, 2019
That set the all-time record for most rush yds by a QB in a bowl game. It was previously held by Johnny Manziel, who ran for 229 yards in the 2013 Cotton Bowl. pic.twitter.com/vwWHGFCbeB
Lynn Bowden delivered one of the most iconic performances in Kentucky history, rushing for 233 yards and two touchdowns. With just 15 seconds left, Bowden found Josh Ali for the game-winning score. A scoop-and-score on the final play added a dramatic exclamation point to an unforgettable game.
5. 1984 Hall of Fame Classic: Kentucky 20, Wisconsin 19
#TBT December 29, 1984: a Hall of Fame Bowl Classic win.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 30, 2022
Joey Worley made a 52-yard field goal with 8:55 left in the game to put Kentucky ahead for the first time, 20-19 over Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/EvtPH9QN8h
In a nail-biter, Kentucky edged Wisconsin thanks to a crucial mistake by the Badgers. A botched snap on what could have been a game-winning field goal preserved the Wildcats' victory. It was a thrilling conclusion and one of the most memorable wins of the ‘80s. It would serve as the last bowl game win until Rich Brooks broke through as described above.
Hopefully the look back on some brighter years helped ease the sting of missing a bowl game this year. Stoops and company are working in the transfer portal to try to get back to a bowl game. You can read everything about Kentucky's efforts in the transfer portal here.