Kentucky steps away from SEC to face 10-0 Tennessee Tech

Field Level Media|published: Thu 13th November, 14:28 2025

Sep 6, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Zach Calzada (5) hands the ball off to running back Dante Dowdell (2) during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

What looked like a pick-me-up game for Kentucky back in August now seems more like a potential upset spot as the Wildcats host undefeated Tennessee Tech on Saturday in Lexington.

The Wildcats (4-5) have performed better of late, entering this non-conference tilt following two straight SEC wins after losing their first five.

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops is prepared for a serious fight from the Golden Eagles (10-0), who are No. 5 in the FCS national rankings.

"They know how to win. They're obviously well coached and a good football team," Stoops said Monday. "We have to continue to do what we've been doing, and that's concentrate on us, no matter who we're playing. Just continue to play with the effort, continue to have great weeks of practice ... let's worry about Kentucky and carry that over to the game."

The Wildcats seemed to do just that when they put it all together last week in a 38-7 victory over Florida. They took advantage of four Florida turnovers and shut out the Gators over the last three quarters.

The rushing attack led the way for Kentucky with 233 yards and three touchdowns.

Seth McGowan gained 92 yards on 22 carries with two of the TDs, while backup Dante Dowdell picked up 104 yards on seven carries, including a 65-yard TD to ice it.

The Wildcats may have a hard time replicating that as Tennessee Tech has the No. 1 run defense in the FCS, allowing just 60.9 yards per game and 1.87 yards per carry.

The Golden Eagles have won 15 straight overall and are coming off a 21-9 win at Eastern Illinois. It was the Golden Eagles' lowest scoring total of the season, as they lead the FCS with 45.2 points per game.

Coach Bobby Wilder knows it'll be a tall task to knock off the Wildcats this weekend.

"You have to have a plan that everything has to happen right for you. You need turnovers, you need situations to go your way, you've got to be able to control the ball," Wilder said Tuesday. "You have to somehow survive early in the game and stay in it. You can't get yourself blown up."

--Field Level Media