LEXINGTON, Ky. — When Kentucky football hired Will Stein to replace Mark Stoops, the goal was bringing a more exciting offense to Lexington.
In his first game as coach, Stein wasted no time making good on that promise on the way to a 45-13 blowout of FCS Youngstown State.
Quarterback Kenny Minchey hit freshman wide receiver Kenny Darby for a 33-yard gain on the fourth play from scrimmage. Three plays later, running back CJ Baxter scored the first touchdown of the Stein era with a 15-yard carry.
Kentucky scored touchdowns on each of its first three drives. The Wildcats punted on drive No. 4, but safety Ty Bryant recovered a muff on the return, and Kentucky later punched on a fourth touchdown on a fourth-and-goal play from the 2-yard line.
On a sweltering afternoon at Kroger Field, the outcome was assured by halftime with Kentucky leading 28-7.
Minchey, making his first career start after three seasons as a backup at Notre Dame, completed 18 of 27 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns. Tight ends Willie Rodriguez (4 catches, 48 yards, TD), Mikkel Skinner (4 catches, 61 yards, TD) and Henry Boyer (catch, 31 yards) combined for nine catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Darby added three catches for 74 yards and a score. Freshman receiver Prince Jean caught a touchdown pass on his first career reception.
Kentucky rushed for 205 yards. Jason Patterson led the way with 73 yards on 11 carries. Baxter scored two touchdowns on just nine carries.
The UK defense was less effective, allowing Youngstown State to convert 8 of 15 third downs, but still limited the Penguins to just two touchdowns.
The challenge gets much more difficult with No. 13 Alabama traveling to Kroger Field next week, but Stein’s opening act should help increase hype for Kentucky’s chances to pull off an upset in that game.
The win marked the largest margin of victory for a Kentucky coach in his debut since A.D. Kirwan led UK to a 46-7 win over Maryville to open the 1938 season. Minchey was the first Kentucky quarterback to pass for 300 yards in his first start since Will Levis in 2021.