Kentucky 21, North Carolina 0

Dec. 6, 1947
– Kentucky tailback Rod Stewart scored three touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 21-0 blanking of North Carolina before a sellout crowd of 54,132 in the 1976 Peach Bowl at Atlanta, Ga.

The Wildcats, after a 25-year absence from the post-season bowl scene, returned in fine fashion as Kentucky completely smothered the Tar Heels. Kentucky outgained North Carolina 334-108 in total yards, limiting the Tar Heels to just five first downs and forcing five UNC turnovers.

After a scoreless first half, Kentucky went to work in the third period after UNC quarterback Matt Kupec fumbled at the Tar Heel 21. UK’s James Ramey recovered and the Wildcats were in business.

Seven plays later, Stewart busted over from the one for the touchdown. John Pierce added the PAT and Kentucky led 7-0 after three quarters.

Stewart sent the 37,000-plus Kentuckians, who had followed UK to the Peach Bowl, into a frenzy with his second touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats marched 57 yards in 9 plays as Stewart capped the drive with a 13-yard gallop behind All-American tackle Warren Bryant. Pierce was good on the PAT and Kentucky led 14-0 with 13:01 left to play.

The Big Blue had to go only 47 yards for their final score. Kentucky faced a fourth-and-one from the UNC 3 with a little over three minutes remaining. Once again, Stewart (104 yards on 19 carries) got the call and he picked up both – the first down and the touchdown. Pierce was true on the PAT and UK had put the game away.

Stewart tied the Peach Bowl record for most touchdowns and scoring with the 3 TDs and 18 points. He was named the game’s MVP. The Most Valuable Defensive Player of the game was UK linebacker Mike Martin, who helped hold the Tarheels to just over 100 yards.

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