Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky
THE BIG PICTURE
The Kentucky Wildcats pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 10 LSU 35–34 in overtime.
Kentucky chose to go for a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in overtime. Quarterback Kenny Minchey ran into the end zone untouched to secure the victory.
Kentucky improved to 5–1 overall and 3–1 in SEC play, while LSU fell to 4–2 overall.
FINAL SCORE BY QUARTER
LSU Kentucky
1st Quarter 10 7
2nd Quarter 7 14
3rd Quarter 3 0
4th Quarter 7 6
Overtime 7 8
FINAL 34 35
FIRST QUARTER:
LSU STARTS STRONG
LSU opened the scoring with a field goal.
Kentucky answered with a spectacular 77-yard run by C.J. Baxter on the Wildcats' first offensive play. The explosive play helped set up a touchdown.
LSU responded with a scoring drive of its own. Quarterback Sam Leavitt connected with Zach Grace for a 22-yard touchdown pass.
LSU led 10–7 after the first quarter.
SECOND QUARTER:
KENTUCKY TAKES THE LEAD
Kentucky's Brock Coffman delivered one of the game's biggest plays, returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown.
LSU answered when Leavitt threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Harris, putting the Tigers back in front 17–14.
Kentucky continued attacking on the ground. Kenny Minchey scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper on the final play of the first half.
Kentucky led 21–17 at halftime.
THIRD QUARTER:
LSU CLOSES THE GAP
The third quarter was quieter offensively.
LSU's defense forced Kentucky into difficult situations, including a fourth-down stop.
LSU eventually put together an 11-play, 73-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard field goal.
Kentucky led 21–20 heading into the fourth quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER:
A WILD FINISH
Kentucky extended its lead to 24–20 with a 28-yard field goal.
LSU then produced one of the game's most unusual plays. Receiver Jackson Harris threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed on a trick play!
LSU took a 27–24 lead with less than ten minutes remaining.
Kentucky had opportunities to respond, but kicker Adam Zouagui missed field goals from 42 and 26 yards.
LSU appeared to be in position to close out the game. However, Leavitt was sacked and fumbled, and Kentucky recovered at the LSU 13-yard line.
Kentucky failed to capitalize on that opportunity, but the Wildcats got the ball back with 1:37 remaining.
Zouagui eventually made a 33-yard field goal with just 12 seconds left, tying the game at 27–27 and forcing overtime.
OVERTIME:
KENTUCKY GOES FOR TWO
LSU received the ball first in overtime.
Leavitt scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, giving LSU a 34–27 lead after the extra point.
Kentucky needed a touchdown to stay alive.
The Wildcats delivered when C.J. Baxter scored on a one-yard touchdown run, bringing Kentucky within one point at 34–33.
Instead of kicking the extra point and extending the game, Kentucky elected to attempt a two-point conversion for the win.
Minchey took the ball and ran through the middle of the defense, untouched, into the end zone.
KENTUCKY WON 35–34!
It was a gutsy decision by Kentucky's coaching staff, and the players executed when the game was on the line.
KENTUCKY'S BIGGEST STARS
1. C.J. BAXTER — RUNNING BACK
• 123 rushing yards.
• Two rushing touchdowns.
• A spectacular 77-yard run on Kentucky's opening offensive play.
His one-yard touchdown in overtime set up the decisive two-point conversion.
2. KENNY MINCHEY — QUARTERBACK
• 246 passing yards.
• A one-yard touchdown run before halftime.
• The game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.
His final run was the difference between victory and defeat.
3. BROCK COFFMAN — SPECIAL TEAMS
Coffman's 55-yard punt-return touchdown was a huge momentum swing that helped Kentucky stay competitive.
LSU'S STANDOUT PLAYERS
1. SAM LEAVITT — QUARTERBACK
• 275 passing yards.
• Two passing touchdowns.
• One interception.
• A rushing touchdown.
• 39 rushing yards.
Leavitt produced several excellent plays, including his 15-yard touchdown run in overtime. However, his late fumble proved costly.
2. JACKSON HARRIS — RECEIVER AND PASSER
Harris caught a touchdown pass earlier in the game and later threw the remarkable 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed.
The trick play temporarily gave LSU the lead late in the fourth quarter.
THREE MAJOR TURNING POINTS
1. THE 55-YARD PUNT-RETURN TOUCHDOWN
Coffman's punt return gave Kentucky a crucial special-teams score and helped the Wildcats stay within striking distance.
2. LEAVITT'S LATE FUMBLE
LSU appeared close to securing the victory, but Leavitt's fumble gave Kentucky possession deep in LSU territory. Although Kentucky failed to score immediately, the turnover kept the Wildcats alive.
3. THE TWO-POINT CONVERSION
Kentucky's decision to go for two rather than kick an extra point was the defining moment.
Minchey found an open path through the middle and scored untouched, completing the upset.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SEC?
KENTUCKY:
• Improved to 5–1 overall.
• Improved to 3–1 in SEC play.
• Earned a major victory over a nationally ranked opponent.
• Won consecutive overtime games by 35–34 scores.
• Strengthened its case for national recognition.
LSU:
• Fell to 4–2 overall.
• Suffered a damaging conference loss.
• Must address costly turnovers and missed opportunities.
• Lost a game it had opportunities to win late in regulation.
THE BIGGEST LESSON
LSU had opportunities to put Kentucky away.
The Tigers held the lead late in the fourth quarter, but the fumble and Kentucky's late drive prevented them from finishing the job.
Kentucky deserves credit for continuing to fight. The Wildcats overcame missed opportunities, tied the game with 12 seconds remaining, and then made the bold decision to go for two in overtime.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
This was a dramatic comeback victory for Kentucky.
The Wildcats combined explosive running, a special-teams touchdown, timely defensive plays, and an aggressive coaching decision to defeat a top-10 opponent.
LSU produced plenty of offense, but Kentucky made the plays that mattered most at the end.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kentucky won 35–34 in overtime after converting a two-point attempt.
The Wildcats showed tremendous resilience, while LSU was left to regret missed opportunities and a costly late fumble.
For Kentucky, this was the kind of dramatic victory that can energize a season. For LSU, it was a painful reminder that playing well for most of a game means little if you cannot finish.
OFFICIAL GAME DETAILS
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