Kentucky 34, Samford 3: Jalen Whitlow threw for a touchdown and ran for another in the first quarter as the host Wildcats snapped an eight-game losing skid by blasting the Bulldogs.

Raymond Sanders ran for 123 yards and a touchdown as Kentucky (2-9) rushed for 342 yards.

Whitlow tossed his second touchdown of the season when he found Gene McCaskill for an 11-yard strike to open the scoring. The freshman quarterback then scampered 20 yards for another score 7:07 later to give the Wildcats a 14-0 lead.

Kentucky made a statement prior to halftime as defensive tackle Donte Rumph jarred the ball away from quarterback Andy Summerlin. Defensive tackle Tristian Johnson picked up the ball at the 25 and scooted in for the score to give the Wildcats a 31-3 lead.

Samford (7-4) converted only 2-of-12 attempts on third down and struggled to generate any consistent offense.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The contest was the last home game for Joker Phillips, who was officially fired Nov. 4. The coach elected to finish out the season once he was certain that he wasn't perceived as a distraction. ... Rumph returned following a one-game absence with a knee injury. ... The Wildcats held a 266-52 edge in total yards at halftime.