Kentucky Beats Oklahoma 21-13 to Grab Share of SEC Lead

Wildcats rally in second half

No. 15 Kentucky came back in the second half on Saturday night to beat Oklahoma 21-13 in Norman. The Wildcats pushed their winning streak to five games and improved their record to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in SEC play. They are now tied with No. 1 Georgia for the conference lead after Georgia lost to Auburn.

Oklahoma held a 13-7 lead late in the third quarter while Kentucky struggled on offense. The game turned when Ty Bryant intercepted his first of two passes on the night. His pick gave Kentucky new energy and momentum.

Defense turns the tide

Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey made the most of the turnover. He led the offense 44 yards in seven plays, capped off by a 12 yard touchdown pass to tight end Willie Hernandez. Adam Zouagui kicked the extra point to put Kentucky ahead 14-13.

Later in the contest, Jordan Castell picked off Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown to put the game away. Kentucky intercepted Mateer four times in total.

Mateer passed for 270 yards and a touchdown for the Sooners, but his four turnovers proved costly. Oklahoma fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, just one week after defeating then top ranked Texas.

Minchey also threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Rodriguez on Kentucky's opening drive, which went 67 yards. Oklahoma's defense locked down after that, holding Kentucky to 76 yards and forcing four punts over their next five possessions until the late interception broke things open.

What it means for the next game

Oklahoma Sooners at Mississippi State Bulldogs (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): Mississippi State Bulldogs win 55%, Oklahoma Sooners win 45%; projected score Mississippi State Bulldogs 30, Oklahoma Sooners 26. Our safest pick: Mississippi St +6.5.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Kentucky Wildcats (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): Kentucky Wildcats win 76%, Vanderbilt Commodores win 24%; projected score Kentucky Wildcats 31, Vanderbilt Commodores 22. Our safest pick: Kentucky to win.