Photo Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

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McGowan’s Breakout Performance Leads Wildcats to Victory

On Saturday, running back Seth McGowan delivered a standout performance, rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns to lead Kentucky to a 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan.

With questions looming at the quarterback position entering the season, Kentucky fans expected the running back duo of McGowan and Donte Dowdell to carry the offense. Three games in, McGowan has clearly separated himself as the Wildcats’ top offensive weapon.

Heading into the season, Kentucky boasted one of the most stacked running back rooms in the SEC. The arrivals of McGowan and Dowdell as transfers created a promising rotation, which also included returners Jason Patterson and Jamarion Wilcox, the team’s leading rusher in 2024.

However, Wilcox is currently suspended with no inclination of a return, forcing the Wildcats to rely heavily on the two transfers. Despite the setback, Kentucky currently ranks in the SEC’s top five in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

McGowan’s SEC-Leading Numbers

McGowan has made the most of his opportunity. His six rushing touchdowns not only lead the SEC but also have him tied for second nationally. In his Kentucky debut against Toledo, McGowan rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries and added a touchdown. While he impressed, it was Dowdell who stole the spotlight that game with 129 yards, capped off  by a 79-yard touchdown run. Despite an inconsistent outing from quarterback Zach Calzada, Kentucky’s run game has provided a bright spot thus far in the season.

The following week, Kentucky hosted No. 20 Ole Miss at Kroger Field. Calzada continued to struggle, prompting the offense to lean heavily on the run once again. McGowan responded with 93 rushing yards, several explosive plays, and two of the team’s three touchdowns in a narrow 30-23 loss.

Calzada suffered a shoulder injury during the game, capping off two straight subpar performances and leading the coaching staff to start sophomore Cutter Boley the following week. Even though Kentucky finally had a touchdown come via air mail, as mentioned earlier Seth McGowan wasn’t leaving that game without getting his rushing for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Chasing History

Currently, McGowan is on pace for 1,100 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. If McGowan continues at this pace, he could etch his name among the all time greats in Kentucky football history.