NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson had just handed Bobby Bowden his first December bowl loss, but that didn't stop the cordial Florida State coach from making proper introductions.

"Where are you from, son?" Bowden asked as Woodson prepared to enter the interview room yesterday following Kentucky's 35-28 victory in the Music City Bowl.

Bowden may finally have a blemish on his December postseason record, but Woodson is still perfect. In fact, he improved to 2-0 against members of the Bowden family.

The senior quarterback threw four TDs against a depleted Seminoles defense to win MVP honors for the second straight Music City Bowl.

Woodson passed for 358 yards and finished with 40 touchdown throws, breaking Tim Couch's school-record 37 set in 1998.

The Wildcats hadn't ended consecutive seasons with bowl wins since 1951-52 under Bear Bryant, but they pulled off the feat in Nashville one year after surprising Clemson, coached by Bowden's son, Tommy.

"It's been a long, long journey," said Woodson, who came to probation-saddled Kentucky (8-5) as a freshman and was among a core group that helped turn the program's fortunes. "We've obviously left our mark here."

As for the elder Bowden, who has led the Seminoles to 26 straight bowls, his December bowl record dropped to 7-1-1.

Florida State (7-6) was playing three dozen players short due to injuries and suspensions stemming from an academic cheating scandal.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.