Will Stein coached for the win in overtime against LSU. That two-point conversion decision only happened because the Tigers were unable to ice the game while holding a 27-24 lead with less than two minutes left.

Facing a fourth-and-one at their own 43, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin called a timeout after a hard count that included a wildcat formation and putting quarterback Sam Leavitt in motion. During that stoppage, Kiffin decided to go the conservative route and trust his defense.

“Thought about going for it on fourth-and-1 and then talked myself out of it,” the LSU head coach said in his postgame press conference. “With the way their kicker had missed two field goals already, thought we’d punt them deep and play defense. Even in that worst scenario, even if they drove down and made it, we’d go to overtime, and that’s what happened.”

In that extra period, Kentucky won the toss and chose to play defense first. LSU needed just two plays to score but had to get a stop to win the game. An explosive completion from Kenny Minchey to Kenny Darby on third-and-long create a goal-to-go possession for the Wildcats. After a CJ Baxter touchdown run, Stein decided to go for the win on a two-point conversion attempt. Kiffin sounded like someone who would’ve done the same thing if the roles were reversed during his postgame remarks.

“It could be as simple as the coin toss going the other way and they score first and don’t go for two, and then we go for two,” Kiffin explained.

Kiffin told LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker to have his best two-point defense package ready because he had a strong feeling that Stein would for the win. That’s exactly what happened. The result handed the Bayou Bengals a loss that might knock them out of the College Football Playoff race.

Kentucky celebrated the big win. LSU left the field with a brutal defeat. The Tigers are heading home with a very disappointing loss.

“Those guys made a good opening series of overtime and scored, and they scored and got a two-point conversion. Disappointing all three phases of the game,” Kiffin said. “Could have won this game.”

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join KSR+

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. In the middle of Will Stein’s highly anticipated first season at Kentucky, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard and House of Blue, the most vibrant message board communities in BBN.