(BCSNN) -- The Cardinals saved their best for last. Louisville closed the regular season with a dominant 41–0 shutout of in-state rival Kentucky on Saturday at L&N Stadium, marking the largest margin of victory in Governor’s Cup history.

It was Louisville’s first shutout since a 56–0 rout of Murray State in 2023, and only the second time the Wildcats have been blanked in the series. The Cardinals improved to 9–3, while Kentucky fell to 6–6.

Freshman walk-on Braxton Jennings stole the spotlight, rushing for 113 yards on 20 carries to become the first walk-on in program history to record a 100-yard game. Jennings was named the Howard Schnellenberger MVP. Fellow freshman Shaun Boykins Jr. added 101 yards and a touchdown, marking just the second time in program history two freshmen eclipsed the century mark in the same game.

Quarterback Miller Moss returned from injury to throw for 182 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-20 passing. He also rushed for his ninth score of the season, engineering a balanced attack that overwhelmed Kentucky’s defense.

Louisville’s defense was equally impressive, holding the Wildcats to just 147 total yards — their lowest output since Austin Peay in 2024. Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley managed only 100 yards passing, his lowest total in a start this season. Tayon Holloway intercepted two passes, the first of his career, while the Cardinals recorded multiple sacks and consistent pressure.

Head coach Jeff Brohm praised his team’s resilience after a difficult stretch. “Great day for our football team and our fans. I was really proud of our performance,” Brohm said. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks without question. Losing is not very fun – it’s not supposed to be fun. Our guys have handled it well… To come out here the last game against our rival with quite a few guys down in numbers and step up and just find ways to play hard for 60 minutes in all three segments – offense, defense, special teams – I couldn’t be prouder.”

Louisville built its lead methodically. Moss scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter, then connected with Jacob Stewart for a 43-yard touchdown in the second. Cooper Ranvier added two field goals to make it 20–0 at halftime. Boykins punched in a five-yard score in the third quarter, and Moss threw fourth-quarter touchdowns to Dacari Collins and Jaleel Skinner to complete the rout.

The Cardinals controlled the game in every phase, outgaining Kentucky 437–147 and dominating time of possession. Louisville’s offensive line paved the way for 229 rushing yards, while the defense forced three turnovers and held Kentucky to 2-of-12 on third downs.

With the win, Louisville heads into bowl season with momentum. The Cardinals will learn their destination and opponent on Sunday, Dec. 7 following conference championship weekend.