It truly was Senior Day at Kroger Field. The Kentucky football players who were honored before the game stole the show in a 42-10 rout of Tennessee Tech.

“I love this team’s attitude and effort, and really greatly appreciate the seniors playing for the last time in Kroger Field,” Mark Stoops said after the win. “Some of those guys have been around a long, long time. Some of them are new, but all of them have had a great impact on our program, and they’ve shown great leadership. I greatly appreciate them and their families being here today to celebrate a good victory.”

It was a particularly special day for running back Seth McGowan, and not just because he ran for three touchdowns. It was the first time his grandmother traveled from Texas to see him play at Kentucky.

“They mean everything to me. It meant a lot to have them here today,” McGowan said of his Dad, Aunt, and Grandma.

Kentucky gave McGowan a second chance. He spent three months in jail after a 2021 robbery in Oklahoma. He’s grateful for the opportunity to showcase his skills at Kentucky and prove to his family that he belongs with the best of the best.

“This was her first one, so me even just being here this year means more than anything to me and my family. My brother, unfortunately he passed away before I could get here. It just means a whole lot to my family. This is everything in the world for them to be here today and put on a little bit of a good performance for them.”

Career Day for Kendrick Law

Even though he did not get into the end zone, Kendrick Law had a very special Senior Day. The Alabama transfer had a career-high 11 receptions for 124 yards. He also had a 40-yard kickoff return just before halftime. On the ensuing snap, he hurdled a defender on an 18-yard gain, giving the Cats enough momentum to punch in another touchdown.

“Today was super exciting for me, and very motivational for me to keep going and constantly keep showing the world what I’m capable of, and I got more in my bag too,” said Law.

Mark Stoops had many words to describe Law’s Senior Day performance, but the first one says it all. “Amazing.” One play in particular stood out.

“We were trying to take a shot. (Cutter) came back to Kendrick in the flat, right on our sidelines. Kendrick made an impressive catch, and then the run he had was unbelievably physical… man, it was violent. I mean, he’s a strong dude.”

Kentucky’s best players are playing at their best when the Wildcats need it most, at the end of the season.