KSR Postgame Show Summary: Kentucky vs. Eastern Michigan – September 14, 2025

Host: Ryan Lemon (filling in for Matt Jones)

Co-host: Gus Allen

Produced by: iHeartPodcasts, Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Main Topic: Postgame analysis of UK’s 48-23 victory over Eastern Michigan, launching the "Cutter Bowley Era" at quarterback

Episode Overview

This postgame edition centered on Kentucky football’s commanding 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan. With Matt Jones away, Ryan Lemon led an enthusiastic and fan-driven recap, with an emphasis on the debut of redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Bowley as the team’s starter. Lemon and Allen broke down Bowley’s performance, discussed the shift in offensive rhythm, and addressed the mood and environment at Kroger Field. Ample time was given to caller reactions, team identity debates, and forward-looking previews—especially regarding the quarterback situation as Kentucky heads into a tough SEC stretch.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Cutter Bowley Era" Begins

• Game Framing: Lemon opens by dubbing it the “get right game” and the “Cutter Bowley coming out party,” framing Bowley as Kentucky’s quarterback of the future.
  • “It is basically... the Cutter Bowley coming out party. The Cutter Bowley era is underway and he is the quarterback.” (05:05)
• First Start Breakdown: Bowley’s poised performance against a lighter opponent, and how early success helped him relax into the role.
  • Immediate 14-0 lead eased nerves and set a positive tone.
  • Praise for his reads, decision-making, and accuracy in delivering the ball “where it needed to be.”
• Coaching View: Despite Bowley’s strong showing, Coach Stoops remained non-committal postgame, creating some lingering quarterback controversy.
  • “He did not want to name Cutter the starter… I think the writing's on the wall.” (07:44)

2. Offensive Rhythm & Tight End Utilization

• Seamless Offense: Lemon highlighted how the offense “just seemed to move better” under Bowley, with improved rhythm and reduced confusion.
• Tight End Touchdowns: Both Willie Rodriguez and Josh Cattus caught TD passes—a rare feat lauded by Lemon and callers.
  • “Cutter threw two touchdown passes to two tight ends. When in the hell has that ever happened at the University of Kentucky?... All those tight ends, now you wish you were here because Cutter's going to throw to you.” (06:30)
• Emergence of New Key Players: McGowan’s running and chemistry with other newcomers like Harley Gilmore spotlighted.

3. Quarterback “Controversy” and Future Outlook

• Calls to Name Starter: Multiple hosts and callers express that dragging out the battle with Calzada only creates uncertainty.
  • “Don’t make it a quarterback controversy… you got to hand him over the keys now.” (07:51)
  • “What’s the worst thing that could happen?... I just think he looked the part.” – Ryan Lemon (08:57)
• Calzada’s Role: Calzada, a 7th-year senior, is acknowledged as a mentor but is seen as surpassed by Bowley.
• SEC Gauntlet Looming: Upcoming games vs. South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Auburn, Florida are cited as motivation to consolidate team leadership around Cutter.

4. Fan, Caller, and Environment Reactions

• Crowd Atmosphere: Multiple listeners and correspondents praised a lively crowd, driven partly by the excitement for Bowley.
  • "The environment tonight for Eastern Michigan was great… Everybody was loud on third downs… the crowd got up and did their thing." – Zane, caller (22:24)
• Student Section: Observations that students left after halftime due to the blowout and rain, but early energy was high.
• In-Stadium Experience: Discussions spanned 80s music, the Blue-White chant (“works, but do it at the right time”), and the replay board.

5. Calling Out Issues: Defense and Stoops' Game Management

• Defensive Concerns:
  • “I would like the defense to play a little bit better. I would have liked for us to not give up as many points…” – Dwayne from Crittenden (14:35)
  • Unexpected struggle to contain EMU, with prediction of a shutout failing.
• Stoops and End-of-Half Management: Criticism for giving up 10 points in the final two minutes of the first half and repeated organizational lapses.
  • “Once again, the end of the first half stunk… stink, stank, stunk.” (41:12)

6. Looking Ahead: South Carolina and SEC Play

• Bye Week Advantage: The team’s off week is expected to help, especially as South Carolina faces injury trouble at QB and a road test prior to hosting Kentucky.
• Coaching Records and Stakes: Stoops’ favorable history against SC (8-5 overall, 8 of last 11) is backing fan optimism, provided Bowley remains starter.

Selected Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Bowley’s Readiness:
  “When you look, there he goes, you know, he knows what he's doing out there. I think he sees things pretty well. He made right decisions and everything… got to go with that.” – Ryan Lemon (08:58)

• Caller, Steve (Colorado):
  “No matter who the opponent is, there's only certain windows to put that ball. And I didn't see receivers having to slow down and reach behind him… Cutter Bowley put the ball where it needed to be.” (12:33)

• On Kentucky’s Historical Tight End Woes:
  “We've been clamoring for my entire lifetime. Why don't they throw more to the tight end?... Cutter's two favorite targets are tight ends Willie Rodriguez and Josh Cattus.” – RL (06:30)

• Atmosphere Reports:

  • “The environment tonight for Eastern Michigan was great… Everybody was loud on third downs.” – Zane (22:24)
  • “The crowd got behind Cutter instantly… pretty optimistic going into the South Carolina game… we might have the quarterback for the future.” – Carson from Belfry (17:40)

• On Defensive Disappointment:
  “Defense definitely needs to play a little better… kind of surprised they gave up as much as they did to Eastern Michigan.” – RL (15:14)

• On Stoops' Halftime Issues:
  “The middle eight for this Stoops-coached era of UK football...especially the last couple minutes of the first half, this is not something new… stink, stank, stunk.” – RL (41:12)

• On Fan Expectations & Quarterback Debate:
  “I think if he doesn’t start against South Carolina, we’ve got to really take a hard look in the mirror. But I think it’s Cutter Bowley’s job right now… I want him to be the guy.” – Tyler (43:11)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• 05:00 – 08:00: Lemon’s big-picture framing of the “Cutter Bowley Era,” tight end discussion.
• 11:19 – 13:56: Fan texts/crowd weather report; calls for Cutter-themed NIL merch.
• 12:33 – 13:16: Steve from Colorado lauds Bowley’s precision.
• 14:35 – 15:14: Dwayne and Gus discuss defense and QB future.
• 17:40 – 18:23: Carson from Belfry highlights crowd’s enthusiasm for Bowley.
• 22:18 – 22:53: Zane on in-stadium environment.
• 24:04 – 25:11: Jake (Hickory) on schedule advantage and SC preview.
• 26:03 – 27:25: AB from Harlan on Calzada’s value as mentor.
• 41:12 – 42:00: Nevaeh’s question and Lemon’s critique of Stoops’ end-of-half coaching.
• 43:01 – 44:08: Tyler closes with impassioned call for Bowley as the future.

Additional Caller Themes & Fan Participation

• Wide range of callers from across Kentucky brought in opinions on defense, environment, coaching, tight end usage, and nostalgia (i.e., old arena football memories).
• Several highlighted the improved in-stadium atmosphere, while others called for better student engagement and smarter in-game traditions.

Final Takeaways

• A clear consensus: This episode celebrated a new era around QB Cutter Bowley, with near-universal support from hosts and callers to end all QB debate and ride with the freshman.
• Optimistic but realistic: Despite the success, there were honest acknowledgments of defensive frailty and recurring coaching issues, notably at the end of the first half.
• Fan base energized: The combination of a promising young QB, SEC schedule intrigue, and a resurgent Kroger Field environment set a tone of anticipation for the rest of the 2025 season.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking the essential content and atmosphere of the KSR Postgame UK Football Show, September 14, 2025.