Kentucky takes out South Carolina in OT: 3 things to know and postgame cheers

In an absolutely thrilling fashion, the Kentucky Wildcats beat the South Carolina Gamecocks in overtime on Saturday afternoon in Columbia by a final score of 35-34.

The Cats got off to an abysmal start that seemingly put the game out of reach before it even really started. The Gamecocks took control early, driving the ball down the field at will. Kentucky couldn't get anything going on either side of the ball as Shane Beamer's squad took a commanding 17-0 lead. However, Kentucky clawed its way back to a 20-10 deficit before halftime.

After the break, a battle ensued. Kentucky showed pure resiliency as they fought and scraped to take the lead from the Gamecocks. However, LaNorris Sellers and Co. answered when they needed to. The Cats played an incredible third quarter, yet again, before taking a 24-20 lead that they surrendered right back to South Carolina.

A field goal late in the fourth quarter tied it at 27-27, and it'd stay that way into overtime.

In OT, South Carolina scored first, and Kentucky answered right back. But they didn't settle for the extra point. Will Stein decided to go for two, and he GOT IT! This was the largest come-from-behind road win in program history. What a win!!

Next up, the Cats will return home for one of their biggest tests yet as they'll take on the LSU Tigers next Saturday night.

Kentucky stays behind the sticks too often

There has been a lot of talk about Kentucky's woes on third down this season, but it's much more than that. They haven't been good on third downs, but it's because they don't put themselves in a good position to succeed.

Kentucky gives up a lot of sacks and tackles for loss, which can completely blow up a drive. If the running game isn't working, like it wasn't today, it forces the Cats to put a lot into Kenny Minchey's hands, and that's just not his game. No offense is good when playing behind the sticks. The protection was poor early on, and the negative results followed.

Will Stein and Joe Sloan have got to figure out a way to get UK into better positioning on first and second down, so that they have a real chance to convert when third down comes. Situational football is really important, but it's not just third and fourth downs (which Kentucky had success with in this game).

As creative as these coaches are, I have to think they'll figure it out. This offense is waiting to break out, and a few adjustments could make all the difference. Look no further than how that second half and overtime went.

Imagine how good this team can be when it puts four good quarters together.

Kenny Minchey is a really good game manager

I mean this in a complimentary way. Minchey is really good at managing the offense, sometimes even masterful, and when needed, he can make winning plays.

He doesn't make many mistakes, but he misses some big throws. He keeps the offense churning and protects the football, but he rarely lets it loose to a receiver running down the sideline, and he is really hesitant to tuck the ball and run.

LaNorris Sellers carried the Gamecock offense and gave them chance after chance. Minchey answered when Kentucky needed it most, including his two game-winning throws at the end of OT.

Stein and Sloan make Minchey's job much easier as they simply ask him to play within himself and execute their scheming guys open, and Minchey is getting it done.

Occasionally, Minchey makes the play himself, but usually, he's just executing the X's and O's. Now, that might seem like a shot rather than a compliment, but let me be clear: Not every quarterback can run this offense. Finding the right guy is more important than finding the more talented or most athletic guy.

I think Minchey is a perfect fit. That's my quarterback.

Man, I'm really not sure that I need to say anything else, but I will anyway because I can't get enough of this kid. Darby was the first big-time recruit that Stein was able to secure (thanks, Joe Sloan), and it is sure paying dividends.

Darby is a true freshman wide receiver who stands at just 6'1 and 180 pounds. Most were excited about his potential, but I don't think anyone expected what he's provided this season just due to his size alone. Don't let it fool you. I think DJ Miller is UK's best receiver, but Darby leads the team in receiving yards, and that lead got a lot bigger after this game.

With Miller out and the offense stalling, Darby stepped up time and again. Nothing can get this kid down. As you remember, he dropped a touchdown pass against Texas A&M, but he responded with a touchdown and multiple catches after.

In this game, he made an unbelievable diving catch, but it was somehow overturned in an inexplicable ruling. It didn't faze the kid at all. He just kept on doing what we've come to expect—making play after play after play.

Darby is a big play threat, but he's more than just that. He takes crossing routes over the middle. He can take a screen to the house. You never know what you're going to get with Darby, but it's almost always going to be fun.