Kentucky Stuns LSU in Overtime Thriller on Gutsy 2-Point Conversion

Quarterback Kenneth Minchey ran untouched for a 2-point conversion after C.J. Baxter scored on a 1-yard run to lift Kentucky to a 35-34 overtime victory over No. 10 LSU on Saturday night.

LSU (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) initially took the lead in overtime with a 15-yard touchdown run by quarterback Sam Leavitt, followed by a successful extra point.

Kentucky (5-1, 3-1) forced overtime when Adam Zouagui kicked a 33-yard field goal with 12 seconds left in regulation. This followed two missed field goals by Zouagui within the final five minutes of the game, the second occurring after Leavitt was sacked and fumbled.

Minchey completed 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards, with 206 of those yards coming in the second half. Baxter contributed 123 rushing yards, including a 77-yard run on Kentucky's first play of the game, and scored two touchdowns.

Freshman receiver Kenneth Darby, who had initially committed to LSU, made four catches for 79 yards. His 22-yard reception in overtime positioned the Wildcats at the LSU 1-yard line, setting up the game-winning sequence.

For LSU, Leavitt was 25-of-34 passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw an interception and fumbled once. LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris connected with Roman Mothershed for a 41-yard touchdown pass, giving the Tigers a 27-24 lead with 9:42 remaining in regulation.

The LSU defense, which had been allowing an average of 220.6 yards per game, surrendered 401 yards in this contest.

Kentucky's offense, particularly Minchey's arm, proved decisive in the second half. The Notre Dame transfer, who had only 40 passing yards in the first half, accounted for 131 yards in the fourth quarter alone.

LSU is scheduled to host No. 17 Mississippi State next Saturday. Kentucky will visit Oklahoma next Saturday.