Full Breakdown
Kentucky Stuns No. 10 LSU 35-34 in Overtime Thriller
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Game Summary
On Oct 10, 2026, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the LSU Tigers 35-34 in overtime at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. After a back-and-forth regulation contest, Kentucky forced overtime with a 33-yard field goal by Adam Zouagui with 12 seconds remaining. LSU scored first in the extra period on a 15-yard run by quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kentucky answered with a one-yard touchdown run by C.J. Baxter and elected to attempt a two-point conversion, which quarterback Kenneth Minchey ran untouched for the win.
Background & Context
Both programs entered the game with new head coaches—Will Stein for Kentucky (5-1, 3-1 SEC) and Lane Kiffin for LSU (4-2, 1-2 SEC). Kentucky had already upset No. 10 Texas A&M on the road and No. 10 South Carolina the week before, becoming the first FBS team to win back-to-back overtime games by a single point. LSU, ranked No. 10, was seeking its first SEC road victory in two years.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Kenneth Minchey: 23-of-36 passing for 246 yards (206 in the second half); no touchdowns, interceptions, or fumbles.
- C.J. Baxter: 19 carries for 123 yards and two rushing touchdowns, including a 77-yard opening play.
- Adam Zouagui: missed 42- and 26-yard attempts in the final five minutes; made the decisive 33-yard kick.
- Sam Leavitt: 25-of-34 passing for 275 yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception, and a fumble in the second half.
Official game statistics list LSU total offense at 401 yards; narrative accounts record 410 yards. Both sources agree Kentucky amassed 401 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Kentucky quarterback Minchey explained his decisive run: “There was nobody in the middle, so I figured I would run there.” LSU coach Kiffin expressed disappointment, saying, “We had all kinds of chances to close the game out and win the game, but didn’t do it.” He added that playing in a hostile night environment makes SEC road games especially difficult.
Criticism & Opposition
Kiffin defended his decision to punt on fourth-and-one, noting the missed field-goal attempts left the Tigers with limited options. “We punt it deep and play defense. Obviously in the worst scenario even if they drove down and made it we’d go to overtime and that’s what happened.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Total yardage: LSU’s offensive total is reported as 401 yards by the AP-derived box score and as 410 yards by several narrative recaps.
- Individual player stats: Minor differences appear in the reported number of receptions for LSU’s Dilin Jones (seven vs. six), but all agree he led the team in both rushing (56 yards) and receiving yards.
What’s Next
The Tigers travel to host No. 17 Mississippi State next Saturday. Kentucky’s next challenge is an away game at Oklahoma the following week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was nobody in the middle, so I figured I would run there,” — Kenneth Minchey, quarterback
- “Like I told them before the game when the chance comes in the fourth quarter you can’t let them hang around,” — Lane Kiffin, LSU head coach
- “We had all kinds of chances to close the game out and win the game, but didn't do it,” — Lane Kiffin
- “I just think you're seeing a common theme that we've talked about for years. The SEC is hard to play on the road, and especially if you put it at night. You play a night home game, especially if there's a lot on the line for the game or it's an electric environment, it's hard,” — Lane Kiffin