The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 37-30 in the Belk Bowl in dramatic fashion. Lynn Bowden threw a touchdown pass with 15 seconds left and then Kentucky took the lead after the extra point. Yes, the same Lynn Bowden who is a wide receiver turned quarterback, ran all over the Hokies with a total of 233 yards and two touchdowns.
While he ran the ball down their throats, Bowden also threw for 73 yards along with the game-winning touchdown. While this was defensive icon Bud Foster’s final game for the Hokies, it wasn’t the finish he had hoped for. Personally, I enjoyed it because they knew Kentucky was going to run it but they still couldn’t stop them. It was laughable because Kentucky ended with 331 total rushing yards.
Beef Bolsters Bowden
Before the game even started, both teams proved they weren’t too fond of each other. Who knew there was huge beef between Kentucky and Virginia Tech? I’m glad because Virginia Tech messed with the wrong guy. Lynn Bowden was always going to run down their throat regardless, but after they disrespected him it just added fuel to the fire.
After rumblings of both teams getting chippy in the week leading up to the game, during pregame warmups, the teams had to be separated because of some pushing and shoving on the field. It was obvious at this point that they were just trying to get into Bowden’s head. It was hilarious because it completely backfired and Bowden ran like a mad man all over their defense.
The Legend of Lynn Bowden
The legend of Lynn Bowden continues to grow after this amazing win. What he has done for this program is nothing short of legendary. With this being Bowden’s last game in a Kentucky uniform, he finishes as one of the most beloved players in my lifetime. He passed Johnny Manziel (ever heard of him?) for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a bowl game with 233 and finishes second. Bowden is only behind Cam Newton, for total rushing yards by a quarterback in the SEC. Bowden averaged an insane 7.9 yards per carry. What he did each and every game is nothing short of incredible and shows you how tough he really is. And also how he was robbed of the Heisman Trophy.
Kentucky finishes the season 8-5 which is great for Kentucky football. It’s even more impressive because they had a wide receiver as their starting quarterback for the final eight games. Kentucky finished their final eight games with 2,800 rushing yards. Every single person on the planet knew they were going to run the ball on almost every play too. To say this coaching staff deserves a standing ovation is an understatement. Coach Cal just received a lifetime contract and I’m almost ready to give Mark Stoops one as well.
Check out other articles by Collier Wireman and the rest of the Belly Up Sports team.
