Wesley Woodyard says Governor's Cup "must stay on the schedule"

The Governor’s Cup may be in trouble.

Last week in Destin, the leaders of the Southeastern Conference debated the future of its football scheduling, specifically an eight-game or nine-game format once Texas and Oklahoma join the conference. SEC leadership is split on an additional game in league play with Kentucky on the side of keeping conference games at eight, in part to protect the series with Louisville. Unfortunately, our favorite rivalry game could land on the chopping block if the SEC elects to add another in-conference opponent to Kentucky’s schedule.

One advocate to keep the Louisville rivalry intact is former Kentucky linebacker Wesley Woodyard. Woodyard joined special guest host Peter Burns on Monday’s edition of Kentucky Sports Radio and the UK Athletics Hall of Famer insisted the Governor’s Cup plays on.

“We have to see them every year,” Woodyard said to Burns when asked about potential scheduling moves. “That’s a true Kentucky rivalry. We’re talking about moving SEC games up. Who cares? That game must stay on the schedule just like Tennessee.

“We already lost one great rivalry in Indiana, so [keeping the Governor’s Cup] is a must.”

Kentucky and Indiana played each season for 19 consecutive years until the series ended between Woodyard’s sophomore and junior seasons in 2006.

Listen to more of his KSR interview with Peter Burns.

Woodyard in the Governor’s Cup

Woodyard’s Hall of Fame career in Lexington was full of success, but he only won one Governor’s Cup rivalry game against Louisville; although, it was a big one.

In his final try as a senior in 2007, Woodyard’s Wildcats beat ninth-ranked Louisville in Lexington, 40-34, in the famous “Stevie Got Loose” upset.

After Stevie Johnson’s go-ahead touchdown stunned the Cards, Woodyard made the game-ending tackle to secure the victory. He brought down Harry Douglas at the 11-yard-line on Louisville’s final Hail Mary attempt to retake the lead.