Bengals Win, Cats Fall — Bluegrass Scores & Bourbon Plans

Bengals Win, Cats Fall — Bluegrass Scores & Bourbon Plans

This Week in the Bluegrass — Scores & Bourbon Plans (September 8, 2025)

Football’s back, and the Bluegrass is buzzing. The Bengals gutted out a one‑point road win, while Kentucky took its first SEC lumps. Either way, we’ve got plenty to cheer—and plenty to sip—with a run of bourbon and culture events lighting up Louisville, Lexington, and Cincy. Here’s your fast, fan‑forward recap and a short list of can’t‑miss plans for the next two weeks.


Cincinnati Bengals

Final: Bengals 17, Browns 16 (September 7, 2025 — Cleveland)

3 key stats/plays

  • Defense seals it: Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II snagged second‑half interceptions that swung momentum.

  • Evan McPherson hit a 35‑yard FG late in the third—ultimately the difference.

  • Tough sledding on offense: Joe Burrow 14/23, 113 yds, 1 TD; Chase Brown 21 rush, 43 yds, 1 TD.

Outlook / what’s next
Ugly but gritty—exactly what you take in Week 1 on the road. The pass rush flashed (Hendrickson/B.J. Hill affected key downs), but the offense needs rhythm. Next up: Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2025 (1:00 p.m. ET).


Kentucky Wildcats Football

Final: Ole Miss 30, Kentucky 23 (September 6, 2025 — Lexington)

3 key stats/plays

  • Rebels RB Kewan Lacy ran for 138 yards and a TD; explosive plays hurt.

  • Ty Bryant grabbed two first‑half interceptions, both leading to UK touchdowns.

  • Zach Calzada threw for 149 yards; Seth McGowan 88 rush yards, 2 TD kept UK in it.

Outlook / what’s next
Competitive, but finishing drives remains the homework. Opportunity to reset against a MAC foe: Eastern Michigan visits Kroger Field on Saturday, September 13, 2025 (7:30 p.m. ET).


Bourbon & Culture: Next 7–14 Days

  1. Bourbon & BeyondHighland Festival Grounds @ Kentucky Exposition Center, LouisvilleSeptember 11–14, 2025Tickets required; multi‑day passes available.

  2. OHLQ “Celebration of Bourbon”Kroger Beechmont, CincinnatiSeptember 10, 2025Tasting event; arrive early / check RSVP details.

  3. Keeneland September Yearling SaleKeeneland, LexingtonSeptember 8–20, 2025Free to watch; world’s premier yearling auction—pure Bluegrass culture.

  4. KY Bourbon & Irish Whiskey TastingIrish Heritage Center, CincinnatiSeptember 18, 2025Ticketed guided tasting (evening session).

  5. Oktoberfest ZinzinnatiSawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, CincinnatiSeptember 18–21, 2025Free entry; food, music, and steins—Cincy at full volume.


Gear up for game day

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

  • Bengals picks → /collections/Cincinnati-Game-Day-Gear

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

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

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