Kentucky Clinches Historic OT Win Over South Carolina with Bold 2-Point Conversion

Key points

• Kentucky overcame a 17-0 deficit to win 35-34 in overtime against South Carolina in Columbia.
• QB Kenny Minchey threw a touchdown pass to TE Henry Boyer in OT, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to WR Willie Rodriguez.
• The two-point play had been planned for weeks, with QB Ty Bryant confirming the strategy was discussed in staff meetings.
• South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers scored a touchdown in OT but could not prevent the loss, extending the Gamecocks' SEC losing streak to eight games.
• Kentucky is now 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC, with a upcoming game against No. 11 LSU at home.

Background

Kentucky is in its first season under new head coach Will Stein, who has already secured two road wins in the SEC, including a victory over No. 9 Texas A&M. The team had previously dropped out of the AP Top 25 despite strong performance but is now ranked No. 24. South Carolina, under coach Shane Beamer, has struggled in the SEC, losing eight consecutive league games and facing questions about his future after failing to hold leads in recent matches.

How outlets are covering it

On3 and WIS News 10 emphasize the pre-planned nature of the two-point conversion, highlighting quotes from Ty Bryant and Will Stein about the strategy being discussed weeks in advance. The Post and Courier focuses on South Carolina's perspective, noting that coach Shane Beamer faced boos from the crowd and that the loss extends a troubling SEC losing streak. While On3 highlights the 'historic' nature of the comeback, the Post and Courier underscores the uncertainty surrounding Beamer's job security and the Gamecocks' inability to hold double-digit leads.

Why it matters

The victory solidifies Will Stein's early success as Kentucky's first-year coach, demonstrating the team's resilience and aggressive decision-making. It also sets up a high-profile matchup against No. 11 LSU, potentially boosting Kentucky's national ranking. For South Carolina, the loss deepens concerns about coaching stability and competitive consistency in the SEC.

What to watch

Kentucky will host No. 11 LSU at Kroger Field on Saturday, October 10, 2026. South Carolina will travel to No. 8 Florida for their next game. The outcome of the LSU game could significantly impact Kentucky's position in the College Football Playoff rankings.