Highlights, MVP, and Twitter celebrations from Kentucky’s thrilling overtime win vs. South Carolina

Kentucky Football took the field on Saturday ranked as a top-25 team in America with their sights set on securing another conference road win, this time at South Carolina.

If you were looking for a fast start from the Cats in Columbia, you found yourself sorely disappointed. The Gamecocks dominated the first quarter in every aspect of the game. Before you could settle into your seat, the score was 14-0, and Will Stein’s team was searching for answers.

Through four games this season, Stein had done a terrific job having his team ready to play. Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon was a sobering change of pace as USC looked like the more prepared squad.

UK utilized scrappy play on both sides of the ball in the second quarter to stabilize what was a disastrous start in a hostile environment. Fueled by a few key defensive plays, Kenny Minchey and the offense managed to navigate adversity and put 10 points on the board before halftime. Despite the 20-10 deficit, you could feel the momentum teetering between both sides, with the Cats in a great position to make their move as they were set to receive the second-half kickoff.

Credit to Coach Stein and the coaching staff for making the necessary adjustments that fueled an impressive UK comeback. Multiple Minchey touchdown tosses put the Cats back in front 24-20 in what was becoming a shootout inside Williams-Brice Stadium.

Credit to Beamer’s group for not folding and punching right back whenever the game called for it. Neither team wanted to lose this game, and it showed. From a UK fans’ viewpoint, the contest was littered with questionable calls from the officials, which made finding a rhythm challenging all night long.

With the game tied 27-27, Minchey and the Cats had the ball with two minutes and a chance to win the game. Despite moving the ball down the field, they weren’t able to stop the clock in time for a late field goal attempt.

LaNorris Sellers was a beast for South Carolina all game long and opened the overtime period by getting the Gamecocks in the end zone, putting all the pressure on Kentucky to score a touchdown.

Minchey responded in heroic fashion by connecting for the touchdown and 2-point conversion, giving the Cats the miraculous win, 35-34, capping off the largest road comeback victory in program history.

“Comeback frickin’ Cats here in Columbia!” Stein exclaimed after the win.

Good times.

Highlights

Game MVP

Even the most optimistic Wildcat fans found themselves questioning what the heck was going on in Columbia during the first half of Saturday’s game.

For a moment, it felt as if the wheels were about to completely come off for the 24th-ranked Wildcats. Instead, Kenny Minchey found a way to settle his team down and avoid what could have been a lopsided affair had things not been reeled in.

In fact, Minchey would do more than settle in; he’d make a slew of big-time plays. His two touchdown passes in the third quarter put Kentucky back in front, leaving the Gamecock crowd frustrated and stunned.

The Notre Dame transfer wasn’t even close to done. Minchey delivered one memorable performance in overtime in Columbia that was capped off by a touchdown and 2-point conversion. His efforts contributed to a win that will be remembered for a long time.

Minchey finished with 272 yards and three touchdowns. Way to play, No. 3.

Box Score

Kentucky vs. South Carolina Twitter Reactions