How Kentucky HC Will Stein led ‘band of brothers’ to OT win over South Carolina

Kentucky head coach Will Stein took a bold gamble in overtime on Saturday, and it paid off as the Wildcats secured a thrilling 35-34 victory over South Carolina. The 17-point comeback was the largest road deficit overcome by any Kentucky team. Initially, Stein opted for a conservative strategy late in regulation, kicking a field goal with four minutes left to tie the game.

However, after Kenny Darby was tackled in bounds, the Wildcats had to rely on their overtime performance to clinch the win. South Carolina opened the overtime scoring, leaving Kentucky needing a touchdown and extra point to extend the game. Quarterback Kenny Minchey connected with tight end Henry Boyer for the touchdown, giving Kentucky the lead.

Instead of field goal, Stein elected for a two-point conversion attempt. Minchey found tight end Willie Rodriguez alone in the back of the end zone, and Rodriguez completed the play, securing the win for Kentucky. The victory marked Stein's 4-1 record in his first season as Kentucky's head coach, an achievement shared by only Stein and Bear Bryant in program history.