No other college football fanbase could possibly love burly Ys more than the Big Blue Nation. Kentucky’s fanbase is always hoping their team can get the ball to the receivers who make big plays. At Kroger Field on Saturday night, those fans saw their wish fulfilled. Mark Stoops also made one of Zach Calzada’s competitors’ wishes come true, but not at his cost, though. That was the subplot of a 48-23 victory over Eastern Michigan, where the Kentucky Wildcats unleashed a new wrinkle that hinted at their future direction while protecting their injured starter.

The headline of the night was Cutter Boley, the redshirt freshman QB, thrust into the spotlight with Zach Calzada sidelined by a shoulder injury. Boley wasn’t just a game manager; he was decisive, fearless, and occasionally dazzling, finishing 12-of-21 for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Mark Stoops didn’t try to hide his admiration afterward, though he chose his words carefully. “I was pleased with the way he operated,” Stoops said. “I really was. I don’t think it would be right for me to make that decision right here and now. I was pleased with the way he played. We’ll get some time, look at it, and get back on the practice field.”

Boley’s play left an impression, though. He looked more polished than someone who was making just his second start and sixth appearance overall, posting a rating of 184.6. He was calm in the pocket, scanning for options, hitting receivers in stride, and showing an ability to avoid pressure that belied his youth. There was a rhythm to Kentucky’s passing attack that had been missing with Calzada’s nagging shoulder. It’s no wonder Mark Stoops was reluctant to tip his hand with South Carolina looming. The redshirt freshman made the offense feel quick, efficient, and at times explosive, even if it came against an Eastern Michigan defense that ranks near the bottom of the FBS.

The dilemma now defines Kentucky’s short-term future. On his postgame radio show with Tom Leach, Mark Stoops emphasized that he wants to review the film and consult with his players before naming a starter. That’s part strategy, part courtesy. Calzada, after all, was dressed out and available in an emergency. He also never stopped mentoring from the sideline, standing by Boley’s side during drives, helping process looks, and keeping him settled. That kind of presence matters, especially in a quarterback room that’s about to enter one of the trickiest stretches of the season. Beau Allen, serving as Boley’s backup, only appeared in mop-up duty on the final drive.

The ripple effect of Boley’s emergence is twofold. First, it softens the blow of Calzada’s uncertainty. A QB with SEC snaps under his belt is invaluable, but an offense desperate for juice found some with a younger option. Second, it plays into Kentucky’s identity crisis. This is a fan base and a program that thrives when their QBs distribute the ball efficiently and keep defenses honest while the ground game pounds away.

With Boley pulling the strings, Stoops might have found the balance that had been missing, a passer who’s unafraid to test defenses vertically while still leaning on those tight ends that Big Blue Nation covets.

Tight Ends turn Kroger Field into a big-play factory

In Cutter Boley’s first start of 2025, the QB2 wasted no time leaning on his big-bodied security blankets. Tight ends Josh Kattus and Willie Rodriguez were targeted seven times, hauling in five receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Both left their fingerprints on the red zone game, but the real fireworks came when they stretched the field. Kentucky, a team that has struggled to generate splash plays, suddenly had juice.

Bush Hamdan’s offense racked up eight plays of 20-plus yards, and it was Kattus and Rodriguez who set the tone early with three chunk catches in the first half alone. It felt less like checkdowns to TEs and more like a passing party, one where the TEs had VIP wristbands.

The Wildcats do not have any assignments next week. They can relax, but the Gamecocks are awaiting them on the horizon for a Week 5 clash. South Carolina lost to Vanderbilt and may fall out of the AP rankings. To make matters worse, they travel to Missouri next week before hosting Kentucky.