Louisville's defense gets its finish against Kentucky, proves to be worthwhile investment

Wesley Bailey, Clev Lubin and Louisville celebrate sack in 41-0 win over Kentucky. — Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Clev Lubin (50) celebrates his sack of Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley with Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Wesley Bailey (23) as the Cards roll past the Cats 41-0 Saturday, November 29, 2025. © Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Kentucky’s second drive of the game, a third and 10 allowed the Louisville defense to gear up for one of the day's many creative pass rush reps. Defensive coaches Ron English (DC/S) and Mark Hagen (DL) put the Cards' best at the line of scrimmage. Louisville’s best speed rushers, Clev Lubin and AJ Green, were set to rush against Kentucky’s tackles, senior defensive end Wesley Bailey, lined up as a defensive tackle, but wrapped around his childhood friend Rene Konga on a stunt. It was complete domination, with everyone beating their man and Bailey getting to a helpless Cutter Boley before he could process the defense. It was one of six sacks on the day for Louisville, and a play that set the tone against an overmatched Kentucky offensive line. The Cards ended up winning 41-0, the second-ever shutout in the series by Louisville and the largest defeat over the Cats. And the shutout, the first of the season, was a long time coming.