The 1958 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1958 college football season. Led by fifth-year head coach Blanton Collier, the Wildcats compiled an overall record of 5–4–1 with a mark of 3–4–1 in conference play, placing tied for sixth in the SEC.
Season Kentucky opened with a 51–0 win over Hawaii at Fairgrounds Stadium in Louisville. A 13–0 win in the SEC opener against Georgia Tech followed. 2–0 Kentucky, then ranked #17 in the AP poll, then lost four games in a row: 27–6 to #9 Ole Miss in Memphis, 8–0 to #1 Auburn, 32–7 at #9 LSU and 28–0 at Georgia. A 33–12 win over Mississippi State was followed by a 0–0 tie against Vanderbilt. After a 20–6 win against Xavier, Kentucky closed the season with a 6–2 victory at Tennessee.1997 Kentucky Wildcats Football Media Guide, p.168, 207
The victory over Tennessee was Kentucky's second in a row, and second in a stretch of four games in which Kentucky denied Tennessee a win.1997 Kentucky Wildcats Football Media Guide, p.207 The Wildcats were invited to participate in the 1958 Bluegrass Bowl but declined due to what they considered to be poor treatment during their season opener, a win against Hawaii in the stadium in which the Bluegrass Bowl would be played.Rice, Russell, 'The Wildcats: A Story of Kentucky Football', Florida State and Oklahoma State played in the 1958 Bluegrass Bowl instead.
Schedule
Schedule source:1997 Kentucky Wildcats Football Media Guide, p.168, 207
Team players in the 1959 NFL draft
Jim BowieTackle 22 254 Philadelphia Eagles 1997 Kentucky Wildcats Football Media Guide, p.166
References