LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kenny Minchey ran in the winning two-point conversion Saturday night as Kentucky defeated LSU 35-34 in overtime.
The Wildcats became the first team in FBS history to win consecutive games by one point in overtime, following last week’s victory at South Carolina.
Kentucky struck quickly on its opening possession. CJ Baxter broke loose for 77 yards, then scored from three yards out to give the Wildcats a 7-3 lead.
After LSU answered with a touchdown, Brock Coffman returned a punt 55 yards for a score early in the second quarter. The Tigers moved back ahead before Minchey’s one-yard touchdown run as the first half expired gave Kentucky a 21-17 halftime advantage.
The teams traded field goals before LSU receiver Jackson Harris threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed, putting the Tigers ahead 27-24 with 9:42 remaining.
Two missed field goals then threatened to leave Kentucky without an answer.
Adam Zouagui missed from 42 yards with 4:57 left. Kentucky’s defense immediately provided another opportunity when Jamarrion Harkless forced a fumble on a sack of LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. Tavion Gadson recovered at the Tigers’ 13-yard line.
But the Wildcats couldn’t reach the end zone, and Zouagui missed a 26-yard attempt with 3:11 remaining.
Kentucky forced a punt and regained possession at its own 19 with 1:37 left and no timeouts. Minchey guided the Wildcats into field-goal range, where Zouagui delivered a 33-yard kick with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game at 27.
Leavitt scored on a 15-yard run to give LSU a 34-27 overtime lead. Kentucky faced third-and-eight on its possession before Minchey found Kenny Darby for 22 yards to the one-yard line.
Baxter scored two plays later. Kentucky elected to go for the victory, and Minchey’s successful two-point run ended the game.
The fans have stormed the field and the celebration is on in Lexington.
Baxter finished with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Minchey passed for 246 yards, with Darby catching four passes for 79 yards. Elijah Barnes led the defense with 12 tackles, Grant Godfrey added 10, and Ty Bryant recorded an interception.
