Cutter Boley shows promise despite Kentucky's 31-14 loss at No. 3 Texas

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky has struggled with its offense all season but freshman Cutter Boley had moments Saturday against No. 3 Texas that showed why he can be the quarterback of the future.

His second-half performance wasn't enough though to overcome a double-digit deficit as Kentucky fell to No. 3 Texas, 31-14, in Austin, Texas.

Boley went 10-for-17 with 160 yards and had a late interception after replacing Brock Vandagriff in the third quarter.

"You can certainly see his talent," UK coach Mark Stoops said. "You can certaintly see the presence he has."

For the first time since 2015, UK won't achieve six victories this season, making them ineligible for a bowl game after moving to 4-7.

Kentucky tied it 7-7 in the second quarter after Vandagriff found tight end Josh Kattus on a lob pass in the end zone but Texas scored 17 straight points to go into halftime with a 24-7 lead.

After Vandagriff went 3-7 for 51 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the first half, Stoops opted for Boley to start the second half.

Boley was sacked for 13 yards on his first pla,y then found Barion Brown for 43 yards on the following play.

It seemed as if Boley was putting together a strong drive for Kentucky after finding Ja'Mori Maclin for another 38 yards but the Wildcats were flagged for holding, negating the big play.

Kentucky managed to hold Texas to a three-and-out on its first drive of the third quarter and the Wildcats found some offensive rhythm again on their following drive.

Jamarion Wilcox rushes twice for 11 yards each to put UK at Texas' 24-yard line to set up a 4th and 1, but got stuffed up the middle for a loss of 1 yard.

Texas then fumbled at its own 29-yard line on the next possession to give the Wildcats another opportunity to cut into the lead.

Boley found Willie Rodriquez for 25 yards to get to the 7-yard line but after taking a sack on third down, Kentucky missed a kick from 33 yards out.

Kentucky's defense came up big on the following Texas possession as Jamon Dumas-Johnson intercepted a Quinn Ewers pass up the middle that was tipped and returned it 25 yards for the touchdown.

Texas put the comeback effort out of reach after stringing together an over-eight-minute drive that resulted in a touchdown.

Kentucky will look to finish the season on a high note as it hosts Louisville next weekend.

"It's not easy," Stoops said. "Everybody just thinks it's easy going to a bowl game... I'm really bummed about that. Me and my staff we've got to do better."

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