Wide receiver/kick returner Barion Brown and outside linebacker J.J. Weaver were named Southeastern Conference Co-Special Teams Player of the Week and Co-Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, as announced Monday by the league office. Both players played pivotal roles in Kentucky’s 38-31 victory over No. 10/9 Louisville, securing the rivalry’s Governor’s Cup for the fifth consecutive meeting and marking coach Mark Stoops’ program-record 13th victory over a ranked team during his tenure.
J.J. Weaver’s Game-Changing Plays:
Weaver, a senior from Louisville, made game-changing defensive plays on consecutive possessions late in the third quarter. He first chased down Louisville running back Jawar Jordan from behind, stripped the football, and recovered his forced fumble, leading to a game-tying field goal. Minutes later, he recovered another fumble caused by teammate D’Eryk Jackson, setting up a fourth-quarter touchdown by Ray Davis that gave the Wildcats their first lead.
Weaver was honored with the Howard Schnellenberger Award as the Governor’s Cup’s Most Valuable Player. He totaled eight tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a quarterback sack in the fourth quarter. Previously, he earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in 2020.
Barion Brown’s Electrifying Performance:
Brown, a sophomore from Nashville, showcased his blazing speed and sparked Kentucky’s comeback with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter. He fielded the kick several yards deep in the end zone, found a crease set up by his blockers, and raced untouched to the end zone.
Brown’s performance included 250 all-purpose yards, tying several school records. His TD return was his second of the season (also 99 yards vs. Ball State) and the third of his career (100 vs. Miami-Ohio in 2022). He tied school records for most kickoff return TDs in a career (3) and in a season (2). His 180 kick return yards in the game rank as the third-most in a single game in UK history. Brown also caught two passes for 48 yards, including a crucial 23-yard catch that set up Ray Davis’ game-winning touchdown run, and added 22 rushing yards on two carries.
This marks the third time Brown has been named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (previously on Sept. 4, 2023, and Sept. 5, 2022), along with being a two-time SEC co-Freshman of the Week honoree.
Kentucky finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and awaits its eighth consecutive bowl bid, to be announced on Dec. 3.