LEXINGTON — Cutter Boley might just be the future of Kentucky football.

The freshman quarterback put on a show Saturday night, guiding the Wildcats to a 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan inside Kroger Field. Boley stepped in after Zach Calzada’s injury last week and didn’t disappoint, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-21 passing.

Boley seemed most comfortable with his tight ends, finding Josh Kattus and Willie Rodriguez for big gains. He hit Kattus for a touchdown with just under two minutes left in the first half to give UK a 28-6 cushion.

There were some unnecessary risks with Boley. Boley took a couple hard hits late in the game, with the Wildcats choosing to keep him in the game despite a three possession lead. 

The Wildcats didn’t just get it done through the air. Seth McGowan hit the ground hard, running 18 times for 104 yards and three touchdowns as Kentucky racked up 252 rushing yards.

Defensively, Kentucky struggled in the first half. Eastern Michigan had success moving the ball, piling up 461 yards, including 330 through the air by the end of the night. But the UK defense stood tall on fourth down conversions, turning back three conversion attempts in the opening quarter. Later in the second half things seemed to come together better for the Wildcats. 

Overall, this was a good morale booster for the Wildcats and much needed experience for Boley as they prepare to hit the road and face South Carolina after a bye week. 

The win improves Kentucky to 2-1 for the season.