This Week in the Bluegrass — Scores & Bourbon Plans (September 22, 2025)

Who Dey Nation took one on the chin, and Big Blue hit a perfectly timed pause. That’s sports—bounce back and roll on. While the coaches make fixes, the Bluegrass is buzzing with bourbon rides, street fests, and opening weekend at Keeneland. Here’s your quick fan-first recap and the next two weeks of can’t-miss culture.

Cincinnati Bengals

Final: Vikings 48, Bengals 10 — September 21, 2025 (Minneapolis)

3 key stats/plays

• CB Isaiah Rodgers turned the game with two defensive TDs (an interception return and a fumble return).

• Five Bengals turnovers flipped field position and the scoreboard.

• K Will Reichard drilled a 62‑yard FG to close the first half.

Outlook / what’s next
Ugly, yes—now flush it and recalibrate. Expect a ball‑control script and protection help as the offense settles. Next: at Denver Broncos — Monday, September 29, 2025 (8:15 p.m. ET).

Kentucky Wildcats Football

Status: Bye week — September 20, 2025

Outlook / what’s next
Reset week is over; it’s time to prove it under the lights. Next: at South Carolina — Saturday, September 27, 2025 (7:45 p.m. ET).

Bourbon & Culture: Next 7–14 Days

1. NuLu Fest (15th Annual) — East Market Street, Louisville — September 27, 2025 — Free neighborhood block party; no ticket required.

2. Bourbon Country Burn (Cycling + Distilleries) — Kentucky Horse Park & Bluegrass routes, Lexington/Central KY — September 26–28, 2025 — Paid registration; multi‑day supported ride with distillery stops.

3. Cincinnati Moon Festival — Fountain Square, Cincinnati — September 27, 2025 — Free cultural festival; family‑friendly.

4. Keeneland Fall Meet — Opening Weekend — Keeneland, Lexington — October 3–5, 2025 — Ticketed race days; advance purchase recommended.

5. St. James Court Art Show (69th Annual) — Historic Old Louisville, Louisville — October 3–5, 2025 — Free admission; outdoor juried art show.

Gear up for game day

Rep the stripes and the blue while you plan your pours:

• Tailgate‑ready gear → /collections/ borderland-gameday

• Kentucky classics → /collections/wildcat-tees-tops

• Bengals picks → /collections/cincinnati-game-day-gear