Kentucky
LSU
LEXINGTON, Ky. (10/08/2026) — The Kentucky Wildcats edged the LSU Tigers 35-34 on Thursday night at Kroger Field. It was a one-point SEC game in which Kentucky was outgained and trailed in time of possession, and still won.
LSU had the edge in total yards (410 to 401), first downs (26 to 19) and time of possession (32:30 to 27:30). Kentucky made more of its chances, kept the Tigers from pulling away, and had the higher score at the final whistle.
How It Happened
The two offenses won in different ways. LSU leaned on the pass. The Tigers completed 26 of 35 attempts for 316 passing yards and added 94 on the ground. Their efficiency through the air let them sustain drives: they converted seven third downs and piled up 26 first downs.
Kentucky had a more balanced attack. The Wildcats ran for 155 yards, 61 more than LSU, and added 246 passing yards on 23-of-36 passing. They converted five third downs and finished with seven fewer first downs than LSU, but they still produced 35 points. Kentucky kept finishing drives even when LSU controlled the clock.
The kicking game shaped the scoreboard on both sides. LSU's Scott Starzyk accounted for 10 points. For Kentucky, Adam Zouagui added 9 points, a big contribution in a game decided by one.
Turning Point
In a one-point game where LSU had the edge in yards, first downs and possession, ball security made the difference. The Tigers turned the ball over twice. Against an opponent that scored 35 points, two lost possessions were too many to overcome.
Kentucky's pass rush also played a part. Sam Greene recorded two sacks, and each one cost LSU yardage in a game where the Tigers needed every drive to produce points. LSU's Malik Blocton had a sack of his own, but Kentucky did more to disrupt the LSU backfield.
Star of the Game
CJ Baxter gave Kentucky's offense its finishing power, scoring two touchdowns. His work was central to a Wildcats rushing attack that outgained LSU's on the ground by 61 yards.
Kenny Minchey led the Kentucky passing game with 246 yards. He completed 23 of 36 attempts and kept LSU's defense from focusing only on the run.
On the other side, Sam Leavitt put together a productive night for LSU. He totaled 275 yards and two touchdowns while keeping the Tigers' offense moving for much of the evening. His production kept LSU within a point to the end.
What It Means
Kentucky picks up a meaningful SEC win at home against an LSU team that moved the ball effectively all night. The Wildcats won despite losing the yardage and possession battles, which suggests they can win close conference games in more than one way. Their combination of a productive run game, timely passing from Minchey and pressure from Greene showed how they can match up with SEC opponents.
For LSU, the loss is a tough one to absorb. The Tigers' offense did plenty right: 410 total yards, 26 first downs and a 74 percent completion rate. Those are normally winning numbers. The two turnovers and the 61-yard gap in rushing production stood out as the areas that kept LSU from turning its edge in possession into a win at Kroger Field.
Both teams leave Lexington with clear takeaways. Kentucky can build on its ability to finish drives, and LSU will look to tighten up ball security after a one-point road loss.
