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By: Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky finished off the fourth quarter with a heroic drive to tie the game led by quarterback Maxwell Smith, but the Wildcats came up short in overtime, losing to Western Kentucky 32-31 in overtime after the Hilltoppers converted a two-point conversion to steal the win.
Smith threw for 332 yards and two scores, but Antonio Andrews’ 125 yards and three scores on the ground were for WKU were too much for the Cats to overcome in the end.
The Hilltoppers (2-1) used a 23-yard field goal from Garrett Schwettman to get on the board first, and followed that up with two second quarter rushing touchdowns from Antonio Andrews to jump out in front of the Wildcats 17-0. Kentucky rallied off 10 straight points to cut the deficit to 7 at the half, despite three turnovers in the first 30 minutes.
After trading scores in the third quarter, the game came down to a final drive from Kentucky trailing 24-17 late in the fourth. Smith and the Wildcats (1-2) were up to the challenge, completing a 77-yard scoring drive in just 1:50 to knot the game and force overtime.
After Kentucky scored a touchdown on its first possession of OT, WKU answered with a score from Andrews and sealed the win with a two-point conversion that also came from Andrews. Andrews also led WKU in receiving with 36 yards.
Kentucky hits the road next week to take on No. 18 Florida in Gainesville.
Statistical Leaders
Kentucky
Passing – Maxwell Smith, 37-for-60, 332 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Rushing – Jonathan George, 13 car, 51 yards, 2 TD
Receiving – La’Rod King, 10 rec, 84 yards
Western Kentucky
Passing – Kawaun Jakes, 16-for-22, 120 yards, TD, INT
Rushing – Antonio Andrews, 34 car, 125 yards, 3 TD
Receiving – Antonio Andrews, 3 rec, 36 yards