Heartbreaker-Tenn 52 Ky 50, four overtimes

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Tennessee Volunteers defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 52-50 in four overtimes Saturday afternoon in a contest approaching five hours long. The game was won when Tennessee converted on their mandatory two-point conversion attempt in the 4th overtime, and Kentucky failed to convert on their subsequent possession. The win is Tennessee's 23rd consecutive victory over Kentucky.

New and different type of game, same old result. Kentucky fell behind early in the game, and went to halftime trailing 24-7 before mounting a comeback in the 2nd half that ended with a Lones Seiber 20-yard field goal at the final gun to put the game in overtime.

Kentucky had numerous opportunities to win the game, but each time Tennessee kept the Wildcats from getting the game-winner. With eight seconds remaining in regulation, and Kentucky at the Tennessee 1-yard line, a shotgun snap to Andre Woodson was dropped, and the pass was rushed, unsuccessfully floating through the end zone with only 0:01 remaining before the Seiber field goal.

In the second overtime, the Cats also had a golden opportunity to win. Going on defense first, the Cats forced a turnover when Trevard Lindley tipped a pass which was intercepted by Sam Maxwell. As a result, Kentucky only needed a score of any type to win. Three running plays netted seven yards for the Cats, but Seiber's 34-yard field goal attempt was blocked, sending the game to a third overtime.

The game featured numerous outstanding performances. After a poor first half, Woodson stormed back for Kentucky to finish 39-62, 430 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Tennessee's Erik Ainge matched Woodson with 28-45, 392 yards, seven touchdowns, and three picks.

Rafael Little and Jacob Tamme combined for 19 catches, 209 yards for Kentucky. Little was Kentucky's leading rusher with 24 carries for 77 yards. Lucas Taylor and Arian Foster combined for 15 catches, 201 yards for Tennessee. Foster also added 28 carries for 121 yards.

Kentucky finishes the regular season with a 7-5 mark (3-5, SEC) and awaits word of their bowl invitation. With the victory Tennessee (9-3, 6-2) clinches first place in the SEC East, and will next face LSU in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.