The outcome of Kentucky football’s annual rivalry matchup with Louisville was never going to completely erase the bad taste of a disappointing 2024 season.

Nov 30, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Ramon Puryear (41) and Louisville Cardinals defensive back Jathan Hatch (31) hold up the Governor’s Cup trophy after winning against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Louisville is a good football team. Kentucky is not a good football team. The 35th meeting of the Governor’s Cup confirmed that on Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field. The game started with a Kentucky lost fumble where Louisville safety Tamarion McDonald ripped the ball away from Kentucky tailback Jamarion Wilcox.