Kentucky defeats LSU 35-34 in overtime with successful 2-point conversion

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Quarterback Kenneth Minchey ran untouched for a 2-point conversion after C.J. Baxter scored on a 1-yard run, leading Kentucky to a 35-34 overtime victory over No. 10 LSU on Saturday night. LSU (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) scored first in overtime when quarterback Sam Leavitt scored on a 15-yard run and successfully converted the extra point. Kentucky (5-1, 3-1) forced overtime when Adam Zouagui kicked a 33-yard field goal with 12 seconds left in regulation, following missed field goals of 42 and 26 yards in the final five minutes, the latter 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 rushed for 123 yards, including 77 on Kentucky’s first play of the game, and scored two touchdowns. Freshman receiver Kenneth Darby, who had originally committed to LSU, recorded four catches for 79 yards. His 22-yard catch in overtime positioned the Wildcats at the LSU 1-yard line, setting up the winning play. Leavitt finished 25-of-34 passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns but also had one interception and a fumble. LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed with 9:42 remaining, giving the Tigers a 27-24 lead. LSU's defense, which had been allowing an average of 220.6 yards per game, ranked third in the nation, gave up 401 yards on Saturday night. Kentucky relied on Minchey’s performance in the second half, as he had only 40 yards passing in the first half, with 131 yards coming in the fourth quarter. LSU will host No. 17 Mississippi State next Saturday.