Mark Story

Relive every game of the modern Kentucky-Louisville football rivalry

By Mark Story
The Kentucky Wildcats hoisted the Governor’s Cup after they stunned No. 11 Louisville 41-38 last year to snap a five-game losing streak against the Cardinals.
The Kentucky Wildcats hoisted the Governor’s Cup after they stunned No. 11 Louisville 41-38 last year to snap a five-game losing streak against the Cardinals. Jonathan Palmer

A game-by-game look at the modern history of the football rivalry between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals:

1994: Kentucky 20, Louisville 14

Date: Sept. 3

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Bill Curry

Louisville coach: Howard Schnellenberger

Louisville Coach Howard Schnellenberger, left, and Kentucky Coach Bill Curry posed together after a June 25, 1993, news conference to announce that the schools — who had not met since 1924 — would resume playing the following year. Billed as “Game One,” UK won the renewal 20-14 in 1994 but U of L leads the modern rivalry 15-14.
Louisville Coach Howard Schnellenberger, left, and Kentucky Coach Bill Curry posed together after a June 25, 1993, news conference to announce that the schools — who had not met since 1924 — would resume playing the following year. Billed as “Game One,” UK won the renewal 20-14 in 1994 but U of L leads the modern rivalry 15-14. Charles Bertram Herald-Leader File Photo

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jeff Speedy

Louisville starting quarterback: Marty Lowe

Favorite: Kentucky by 4 (Source: Glantz-Culver line printed in Herald-Leader on day of game).

Attendance: 59,162

The storyline: Kentucky linebacker Donte Key set up UK’s winning touchdown with a fumble recovery then sealed the win with a late interception of U of L QB Marty Lowe. The season-opening victory was the only game Kentucky would win in an otherwise cursed 1994 season.

Final Kentucky record: 1-10

Final Louisville record: 6-5.

1995: Louisville 13, Kentucky 10

Date: Sept. 2

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Bill Curry

Louisville coach: Ron Cooper

Ron Cooper, shown in Commonwealth Stadium in 1997, went 2-1 vs. Kentucky as Lousville head coach.
Ron Cooper, shown in Commonwealth Stadium in 1997, went 2-1 vs. Kentucky as Lousville head coach. Herald-Leader File Photo

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jeff Speedy

Louisville starting quarterback: Marty Lowe

Favorite: Louisville by 4.

Attendance: 58,967

The storyline: In a tense defensive struggle, Louisville running back Calvin Arrington carried the ball 37 times for 133 yards, including the game-winning 1-yard TD with 1:29 left.

Final Kentucky record: 4-7

Final Louisville record: 7-4

1996: Louisville 38, Kentucky 14

Date: Aug. 31

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Bill Curry

Louisville coach: Ron Cooper

Kentucky starting quarterback: Billy Jack Haskins

Louisville starting quarterback: Jason Payne

Favorite: Kentucky by 11/2

Attendance: 59,384

The storyline: U of L scored two defensive touchdowns and got 10 more points off two blocked punts. The game also went down in state of Kentucky football history as the first college football appearances of two rather significant homegrown QBs - UK’s Tim Couch (Leslie County) and U of L’s Chris Redman (Male).

Final Kentucky record: 4-7

Final Louisville record: 5-6

1997: Kentucky 38, Louisville 24

Date: Aug. 30

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Hal Mumme

Louisville coach: Ron Cooper

Kentucky starting quarterback: Tim Couch

Louisville starting quarterback: Chris Redman

Favorite: Louisville by 3

Attendance: 59,186

The storyline: The pass-happy Hal Mumme era debuted to boffo returns as Tim Couch threw for 398 yards and four touchdowns to earn his first victory as a college QB.

Final Kentucky record: 5-6

Final Louisville record: 1-10

1998: Kentucky 68, Louisville 34

Date: Sept. 5.

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Hal Mumme

Louisville coach: John L. Smith

Kentucky starting quarterback: Tim Couch

Louisville starting quarterback: Chris Redman

Favorite: Kentucky by 11

Attendance: 42,643

The storyline: Itwas the inaugural game for U of L’s new football stadium and the first game for John L. Smith as Cardinals coach. Tim Couch spoiled the party by throwing for seven TDs and leading UK to 801 yards of total offense.

Final Kentucky record: 7-5

Final Louisville record: 7-5

Kentucky’s Craig Yeast (3) caught nine passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns in Kentucky’s 68-34 win over Louisville in the first game ever played in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in 1998. Yeast’s son, U of L freshman cornerback Russ Yeast, now plays home games in the same venue.
Kentucky’s Craig Yeast (3) caught nine passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns in Kentucky’s 68-34 win over Louisville in the first game ever played in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in 1998. Yeast’s son, U of L freshman cornerback Russ Yeast, now plays home games in the same venue. Herald-Leader File Photo

1999: Louisville 56, Kentucky 28

Date: Sept. 4

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Hal Mumme

Louisville coach: John L. Smith

Kentucky starting quarterback: Dusty Bonner

Louisville starting quarterback: Chris Redman

Favorite: Louisville by 3

Attendance: 70,692

The storyline: One year after UK and Tim Couch ruined the opening of Louisville’s new stadium, U of L and Redman returned the favor. In the first game in the expanded Commonwealth, the Louisville senior threw for five touchdowns. It was a sweet win for John L. Smith, who said in the run-up to the game that UK had always treated U of L like a “red-headed step-child.”

Final Kentucky record: 6-6

Final Louisville record: 7-5

Louisville’s Donte Andrews tackled Kentucky quarterback Dusty Bonner from behind in the third quarter of U of L’s 56-28 victory over UK in 1999. In winning, the Cardinals spoiled the unveiling of the renovated Commonwealth Stadium.
Louisville’s Donte Andrews tackled Kentucky quarterback Dusty Bonner from behind in the third quarter of U of L’s 56-28 victory over UK in 1999. In winning, the Cardinals spoiled the unveiling of the renovated Commonwealth Stadium. Herald-Leader File Photo

2000: Louisville 40, Kentucky 34 (OT)

Date: Sept. 2

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Hal Mumme

Louisville coach: John L. Smith

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jared Lorenzen

Louisville starting quarterback: Dave Ragone

Favorite: Kentucky by 51/2

Attendance: 42,515

The storyline: UK had a 19-14 lead when the game was stopped in the third quarter by lightening. After an one hour and 12 minute delay, play resumed - and things got wild. Kentucky had a chip shot field goal to win the game blocked on the final play of regulation. U of L’s Tony Stallings ended things with a 25-yard TD run in the overtime. Afterwards, Hal Mumme lashed out at Louisville, complaining about UK having to play a team that “lives to beat us.”

Final Kentucky record: 2-9

Final Louisville record: 9-3

Louisville’s Tony Stallings is lifted on the shoulders of his teammates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime to give the Cardinals a 40-34 victory over Kentucky in 2000.
Louisville’s Tony Stallings is lifted on the shoulders of his teammates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime to give the Cardinals a 40-34 victory over Kentucky in 2000. Herald-Leader File Photo

2001: Louisville 36, Kentucky 10

Date: Sept. 1

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Guy Morriss

Louisville coach: John L. Smith

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jared Lorenzen

Louisville starting quarterback: Dave Ragone

Favorite: Louisville by 3

Attendance: 70,838

The storyline: The debut of Guy Morriss as UK head coach did not go well, as the Wildcats amassed a paltry 213 yards of offense.

Final Kentucky record: 2-9

Final Louisville record: 11-2

2002: Kentucky 22, No. 17 Louisville 17

Date: Sept. 1

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Guy Morriss

Louisville coach: John L. Smith

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jared Lorenzen

Louisville starting quarterback: Dave Ragone

Favorite: Louisville by 12

Attendance: 42,660

The storyline: A stout UK defensive front led by future NFL first-round draft pick Dewayne Robertson brought the lumber on U of L QB Dave Ragone and led the Cats to a massive upset of the No. 17 Cards.

Final Kentucky record: 7-5

Final Louisville record: 7-6

Louisville quarterback Dave Ragone was hit in the back by Kentucky defensive tackle Jeremy Caudill in the fourth quarter of Kentucky’s 22-17 upset of the No. 17 Cardinals in 2002.
Louisville quarterback Dave Ragone was hit in the back by Kentucky defensive tackle Jeremy Caudill in the fourth quarter of Kentucky’s 22-17 upset of the No. 17 Cardinals in 2002. Ron Garrison Herald-Leader File Photo

2003: Louisville 40, Kentucky 24

Date: Aug. 31

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Jared Lorenzen

Louisville starting quarterback: Stefan LeFors

Favorite: Kentucky by 5/12

Attendance: 70,467

The storyline: In the first game for the coaches of both teams, Bobby Petrino gained the upper hand as an error-filled Kentucky effort undermined the coaching debut of Rich Brooks. Louisville’s final TD came with six seconds left in the game, causing some UK backers to accuse Petrino of running up the score.

Final Kentucky record: 4-8

Final Louisville record: 9-4

Kentucky’s Rich Brooks shook hands with Louisville’s Bobby Petrino before the two head coaches faced each other for the first time in 2003. Petrino’s Cardinals went on to win the game 40-24. In Governor’s Cup games, Petrino went 4-0 vs. Brooks-coached Kentucky teams.
Kentucky’s Rich Brooks shook hands with Louisville’s Bobby Petrino before the two head coaches faced each other for the first time in 2003. Petrino’s Cardinals went on to win the game 40-24. In Governor’s Cup games, Petrino went 4-0 vs. Brooks-coached Kentucky teams. Herald-Leader File Photo

2004: Louisville 28, Kentucky 0

Date: Sept. 5

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Shane Boyd

Louisville starting quarterback: Stefan LeFors

Favorite: Louisville by 9

Attendance: 42,681

The storyline: In a drab offensive effort, UK failed to cross mid-field in the entire first half. Given another chance to score a late TD with the outcome already decided, U of L this time took a knee. “I just thought I’d give Kentucky what they wanted,” Bobby Petrino jibed.

Final Kentucky record: 2-9

Final Louisville record: 11-1

Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd spent a lot of time on the run in Louisville’s 28-0 victory over UK in 2004.
Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd spent a lot of time on the run in Louisville’s 28-0 victory over UK in 2004. Charles Bertram Herald-Leader File Photo

2005: No. 12 Louisville 31, Kentucky 24

Date: Sept. 4

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Andre Woodson

Louisville starting quarterback: Brian Brohm

Favorite: Louisville by 221/2

Attendance: 70,752

The storyline: Down 28-7 at half, underdog UK rallied furiously and was driving for the tying score in the fourth quarter when Andre Woodson lost a fumble at the U of L 2.

Final Kentucky record: 3-8

Final Louisville record: 9-3

2006: No. 13 Louisville 59, Kentucky 28

Date: Sept. 3

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Andre Woodson

Louisville starting quarterback: Brian Brohm

Favorite: Louisville by 221/2

Attendance: 42,597

The storyline: In the pre-game hype, Kentucky President Lee Todd referred to the U of L football program as ”over-marketed and underperforming.” Sufficiently motivated, the Cards crushed the Cats. Michael Bush ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a season-ending broken leg on the second play of the third quarter. It end the ex-Male High star’s college career - and might have ultimately cost the Cards a chance to play in the national championship game.

Final Kentucky record: 8-5

Final Louisville record: 12-1

Louisville running back Michael Bush was carted off the field after breaking his leg during the second half of U of L’s 59-28 victory over Kentucky in 2006.
Louisville running back Michael Bush was carted off the field after breaking his leg during the second half of U of L’s 59-28 victory over Kentucky in 2006. Associated Press

2007: Kentucky 40, No. 9 Louisville 34

Date: Sept. 15

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Steve Kragthorpe

Kentucky starting quarterback: Andre Woodson

Louisville starting quarterback: Brian Brohm

Favorite: Louisville by 51/2

Attendance: 70,857

The storyline: In one of the best games ever played in the Governor’s Cup series, Andre Woodson hit Steve Johnson with a 57-yard scoring pass with 28 seconds left in the contest to give Kentucky its first win in the rivalry since 2002. UK’s upset of No. 9 U of L was its first victory over a Top 10 foe since 1977.

Final Kentucky record: 8-5

Final Louisville record: 6-6

2008: Kentucky 27, Louisville 2

Date: Aug. 31

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Steve Kragthorpe

Kentucky starting quarterback: Mike Hartline

Louisville starting quarterback: Hunter Cantwell

Favorite: Louisville by 31/2

Attendance: 42,696

The storyline: The Kentucky defense put a smackdown on Louisville. The UK D returned two fumbles for touchdowns and set up a third TD with an interception. For the game, Kentucky forced five turnovers and held Louisville to 205 yards of offense.

Final Kentucky record: 7-6

Final Louisville record: 5-7

2009: Kentucky 31, Louisville 27

Date: Sept. 19

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky coach: Rich Brooks

Louisville coach: Steve Kragthorpe

Kentucky starting quarterback: Mike Hartline

Louisville starting quarterback: Justin Burke

Favorite: Kentucky by 13½.

Attendance: 70,988

The storyline: Heavily-favored UK led 17-7 at the half but let Louisville back in the game with three third-quarter turnovers. Lexington Catholic product Justin Burke then put U of L on the brink of an upset by throwing two fourth-quarter touchdown passes. But UK star Randall Cobb saved the Cats with two clutch plays in the final period, including catching the game-winning TD pass on a fade pattern with 4:28 left in the game.

Final Kentucky record: 7-6

Final Louisville record: 4-8

Kentucky star Randall Cobb caught the game-winning touchdown in front of Louisville’s Darldell Dunning (7) in the fourth quarter of UK’s 31-27 win over U of L in 2009.
Kentucky star Randall Cobb caught the game-winning touchdown in front of Louisville’s Darldell Dunning (7) in the fourth quarter of UK’s 31-27 win over U of L in 2009. Herald-Leader File Photo

2010: Kentucky 23, Louisville 16

Date: Sept. 4

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Joker Phillips

Louisville Coach: Charlie Strong

Kentucky starting quarterback: Mike Hartline

Louisville starting quarterback: Adam Froman

Favorite: Kentucky by three

Attendance: 55,327

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: Derrick Locke, Kentucky (first year the award was presented by the Louisville Sports Commission)

The storyline: The first game played in the expanded Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium also featured the first time in college football history that two black head coaches from BCS conferences (SEC and Big East) faced each other in a season opener. Behind playmakers Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb, Kentucky jumped to a 20-3 first-half lead, then held on in half two. UK’s Mike Hartline became the first quarterback in the modern history of the Governor’s Cup to go 3-0 as a starter in the rivalry.

Kentucky’s final record: 6-7

Louisville’s final record: 7-6

Louisville Coach Charlie Strong, left, and Kentucky head man Joker Phillips posed with the Governor’s Cup trophy at the preseason Governor’s Cup luncheon before they faced each other for the first time in the UK-U of L rivalry in 2010.
Louisville Coach Charlie Strong, left, and Kentucky head man Joker Phillips posed with the Governor’s Cup trophy at the preseason Governor’s Cup luncheon before they faced each other for the first time in the UK-U of L rivalry in 2010. David Perry Lexington Herald-Leader file photo

2011: Louisville 24, Kentucky 17

Date: Sept. 17

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Joker Phillips

Louisville Coach: Charlie Strong

Kentucky starting quarterback: Morgan Newton

Louisville starting quarterback: Will Stein

Favorite: Kentucky 51/2

Attendance: 68,170

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: Dexter Heyman, Louisville

The storyline: Louisville true freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaced an injured Will Stein and threw two touchdown passes and U of L claimed the Governor’s Cup for the first time since 2006. Linebacker Dexter Heyman (12 tackles, a forced fumble) had two of the whopping 14 tackles for loss (including six sacks) recorded by the Cardinals’ defense.

Kentucky’s final record: 5-7

Louisville’s final record: 7-6

Louisville defensive linemen Jamaine Brooks (99) and Randy Salmon (95) carried the Governor’s Cup trophy off the field after the Cardinals beat Kentucky 24-17 in 2011 to snap a four-game losing streak against the Wildcats.
Louisville defensive linemen Jamaine Brooks (99) and Randy Salmon (95) carried the Governor’s Cup trophy off the field after the Cardinals beat Kentucky 24-17 in 2011 to snap a four-game losing streak against the Wildcats. Herald-Leader File Photo

2012: No. 25 Louisville 32, Kentucky 14

Date: Sept 2

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Joker Phillips

Louisville Coach: Charlie Strong

Kentucky starting quarterback: Maxwell Smith

Louisville starting quarterback: Teddy Bridgewater

Favorite: Louisville by 13

Attendance: 55,386

Howard Schnellengerger MVP Award: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

The storyline: Behind the precision passing of Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and a dominant running game that put two rushers, Senorise Perry and Jeremy Wright, over 100 yards, the Cardinals throttled the Wildcats. U of L unleashed first-half touchdown drives of 99, 85 and 93 yards against a hapless UK defense and was never threatened.

Kentucky’s final record: 2-10

Louisville’s final record: 11-2

2013: No. 7 Louisville 27, Kentucky 13

Date: Sept. 14

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Mark Stoops

Louisville Coach: Charlie Strong

Kentucky starting quarterback: Maxwell Smith

Louisville starting quarterback: Teddy Bridgewater

Favorite: Louisville by 141/2

Final score: Louisville 27, Kentucky 13

Attendance: 65,445

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

The storyline: A stiff Kentucky defense held Louisville to 10 first-half points but the Cardinals wore the Cats down behind a power-rushing attack (242 yards on the ground) and Teddy Bridgewater’s passing (16-of-28, 250 yards). UK’s Air Raid 2.0 offense was plagued by dropped passes and lost starting QB Maxwell Smith to a shoulder injury in the second half.

Kentucky’s final record: 2-10

Louisville’s final record: 12-1

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) was hurried by Kentucky defensive end Bud Dupree (2) during U of L’s 27-13 win over UK in 2013. Both Bridgewater and Dupree would go on to become NFL first-round draft picks.
Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) was hurried by Kentucky defensive end Bud Dupree (2) during U of L’s 27-13 win over UK in 2013. Both Bridgewater and Dupree would go on to become NFL first-round draft picks. Herald-Leader File Photo

2014: No. 24 Louisville 44, Kentucky 40

Date: Nov. 29

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Mark Stoops

Louisville Coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Patrick Towles

Louisville starting quarterback: Reggie Bonnafon

Favorite: Louisville by 14

Attendance: 55,118

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: DeVante Parker, Louisville

The storyline: A wild pregame melee between both teams led into an even crazier game. With Louisville down 13-0, former Lexington Catholic star Kyle Bolin came off the bench to replace an injured Reggie Bonnafon at quarterback for the Cardinals and sparked U of L to a comeback victory over his hometown team by throwing for 381 yards and three touchdowns.

Kentucky’s final record: 5-7

Louisville’s final record: 9-3

2015: Louisville 38, Kentucky 24

Date: Nov. 28

Site: Commonwealth Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Mark Stoops

Louisville Coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Drew Barker

Louisville starting quarterback: Kyle Bolin

Favorite: Louisville by 51/2

Attendance: 62,512

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: Lamar Jackson, Louisville

The storyline: With Louisville trailing 21-0, true freshman quarterback Lamar Jackson replaced an ineffective Kyle Bolin and rallied the Cardinals to a 38-24 comeback victory. Jackson sliced the Kentucky defense with his legs (186 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and his arm (130 yards passing, one TD) in leading the Cardinals to their fifth-straight win over the Wildcats.

Kentucky’s final record: 5-7

Louisville’s final record: 8-5

2016: Kentucky 41, No. 11 Louisville 38

Date: Nov. 26

Site: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Kentucky Coach: Mark Stoops

Louisville Coach: Bobby Petrino

Kentucky starting quarterback: Stephen Johnson

Louisville starting quarterback: Lamar Jackson

Favorite: Louisville by 27 points

Attendance: 54,075

Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award: Stephen Johnson, Kentucky

Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson was named winner of the Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award after he directed UK to a stunning 41-38 upset of No. 11 Louisville in 2016.
Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson was named winner of the Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award after he directed UK to a stunning 41-38 upset of No. 11 Louisville in 2016. Jonathan Palmer

The storyline: Unheralded Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns and Austin MacGinnis booted a 47-yard field goal with 12 seconds left to give UK a 41-38 upset over U of L. Louisville star quarterback Lamar Jackson - only weeks from winning the Heisman Trophy - threw for 287 yards and two scores and ran for 171 yards and two TDs. However, the Cards could not overcome the sophomore QB’s four turnovers (three interceptions, one lost fumble).

Kentucky’s final record: 7-6

Louisville’s final record: 9-4

Mark Story: 859-231-3230, @markcstory

This story was originally published November 21, 2017 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Relive every game of the modern Kentucky-Louisville football rivalry."

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