By the numbers: The playmakers behind Kentucky's win over LSU

UK Athletics' postgame notes from the 35-34 overtime win over No. 10 LSU read like a history book. Instead of repeating the whole list, here's a look at the individual performances behind it, and what each one tells us about how this Kentucky team wins.

CJ Baxter: the explosive play

On Kentucky's first offensive snap, Baxter ran 77 yards up the middle, then scored from three yards out on the next play. UK Athletics says it was the longest run by a Wildcat against an AP top-10 team in school history, and the longest ever against LSU. He finished with 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, including the overtime touchdown that set up the winning two-point try. He's the first Wildcat with 123-plus rushing yards and two rushing scores against a top-10 opponent since Moe Williams against Tennessee in 1995.

Why it matters: Baxter has rushed for a touchdown in five of six games. When he breaks a long run early, Kentucky can play from ahead and lean on its line. That's also why his availability for Oklahoma is the week's biggest storyline.

Kenny Minchey: protecting the football

Minchey completed 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards. He scored his first career rushing touchdown on a fourth-and-goal sneak to end the first half, and he ran in the game-winning two-point conversion on a quarterback draw. His most important number may be this one: 178 pass attempts this season with one interception, the most attempts to open a season with a single pick since Maxwell Smith in 2013.

Why it matters: Close games are usually decided by turnovers. Kentucky had none against LSU and is +7 on the season.

Kenny Darby: a true freshman in the clutch

Darby caught four passes for 79 yards, and two of them came at the biggest moments. Trailing 27-24 on the final regulation drive, he caught a 19-yard pass to the LSU 23, setting up Adam Zouagui's 33-yard field goal to force overtime. In overtime, on third-and-8, he turned a short catch into a 22-yard play to the 1-yard line. UK Athletics says his 79 yards were the most by a Kentucky true freshman against a top-10 team since Barion Brown in 2022.

Why it matters: A freshman receiver making contested, game-deciding plays is a strong sign for this offense.

Brock Coffman: special teams points

Coffman's 55-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter was Kentucky's first since 2021 and the first by a Wildcat against a top-10 opponent since 2002. In a one-point game, a special teams touchdown is the margin.

Willie Rodriguez and the tight ends

Rodriguez led the team with six catches. UK tight ends have 44 receptions through six games, the most at this point of a season since 2000. They aren't the flashiest weapons, but they keep the offense on schedule.

The defense: Barnes, Greene and Harkless

Linebacker Bo Barnes had a career-high 12 tackles, Grant Godfrey added 10, Sam Greene had 1.5 sacks and nose guard Jamarrion "Chops" Harkless tied career highs with three tackles and 1.5 sacks while forcing his first career fumble. Ty Bryant intercepted a pass on LSU's first play of the third quarter. The group held LSU to 94 rushing yards.

Our take

The LSU win wasn't one player carrying a team. It was an early explosive run, a quarterback who doesn't give the ball away, a freshman making clutch catches, a return touchdown and a defense that came up with turnovers. That kind of balance is what lets a team win close games week after week. Kentucky will need all of it in Norman.

Big Blue Times is an independent fan site and is not affiliated with the University of Kentucky.

Sources: UK Athletics: Kentucky-LSU postgame notes. Recap: Cats stun No. 10 LSU. Video credit: SEC on YouTube.