Will Stein played it safe, scoring a basket with four minutes left in the fourth quarter to tie the game. When Kenny Darby was tackled inbounds with seconds remaining, it looked like a decision that could have backfired; however, when the game was in overtime. Stein showed his true colors, resulting in an absolutely massive 35-34 victory over South Carolina.
After Henry Boyer’s overtime touchdown, Stein opted to go for two instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game. Willie Rodriguez was there, alone in the back of the end zone, standing on tiptoes to catch the ball and bring it down. Stein sprinted onto the field to celebrate with his team. When SEC Network’s Michella Chester called him for his interview, he took a moment to hug Kenny Minchey as Minchey walked by. His quarterback certainly deserved it, finishing the game 28-41 for 272 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
“We’ve been saying it all week, band of brothers,” Stein said when asked about his emotions. “A group of brothers came to Columbia, South Carolina, and won. Really tough environment, really great coach.”
After Kentucky’s victory, South Carolina fans chanted “FIRE BEAMER” in the hallways of Williams-Brice Stadium. Earlier this week, Stein spoke about his history with Beamer, who spent time with him when he was a high school coach in Texas and Beamer was recruiting his area for Oklahoma.
“Everybody’s talking about Shane Beamer; he’s a great guy, he’s a great coach. He’s got an elite team, an elite quarterback. Unbelievable win for our guys. Unbelievable!”
The decision to go for two was huge. Miss it, and it’s a heartbreaking loss. Do that, and you’re 4-1 heading into a home game against No. 11 LSU. When asked, Stein said he didn’t want to give LaNorris Sellers another chance to taint his defense. Despite a rough start to the season, Sellers showed up again against Kentucky, finishing 20-36 for 226 passing yards and two touchdowns and another 147 yards rushing. Stein decided to trust his quarterback instead.
“Everyone could see it in the country, right? We didn’t stop him much. We’ve got to go, right? I’m not going to put my defense over there. Put it in the hands of No. 3, who played his role tonight, and threw it to No. 81, who is one of the best tight ends in the country.”
Kentucky fought back from 17 points behind, the largest road comeback in school history. A lifelong Kentucky fan, Stein found the perfect analogy to describe his team’s motivation in the face of adversity.
“I was a big Wildcats basketball fan. That’s Comeback Cats right there. Come back to the damn Cats here in Columbia. I love it. I love the fight. I love the guts. We’re going to get back on that plane and party. Go Cats!”
What a game. What a victory for Stein, who is now 4-1 in his first season as coach, an accomplishment shared only by him and Bear Bryant in program history.
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