Will Stein seemingly throws shade at Kentucky’s defense after a wild comeback win

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Will Stein seemingly throws shade at Kentucky’s defense after a wild comeback win

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 9:16 PM ET

The No. 24-ranked Kentucky Wildcats pulled off a win on Saturday despite their defense, and head coach Will Stein called that out after his team’s stunning 35-34 come-from-behind victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

The Wildcats had to climb out of a 17-0 deficit in the first half to shock South Carolina, and it wasn’t because of their defense if you ask Stein.

Asked about his bold decision to go for the two-point conversion to win the game in overtime, Stein explained that Kentucky’s poor defense forced him to trust his offense in the most pivotal moment of the game.

“Everybody could see in the country, right? We weren’t stopping them much,” Stein said in the postgame interview, via Tristan Pharis of KY Insider. “You gotta go for it. Put it in the hands of #3 (Kenny Minchey), who played his butt off tonight, and throw it to #81 (Willie Rodriguez), who is one of the best tight ends in the country.”

Will Stein on his decision to go for two in overtime:

"Everybody could see in the country, right? We weren't stopping them much. You gotta go for it. Put it in the hands of #3 (Kenny Minchey), who played his butt off tonight, and throw it to #81 (Willie Rodriguez), who is one of… pic.twitter.com/n6gDJXagig
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 4, 2026

South Carolina struck first in overtime with a touchdown before the Wildcats responded with a TD drive of their own, as Minchey connected with tight end Henry Boyer to trim the Gamecocks’ lead to a point.

Kentucky then went for it and succeeded, as Minchey found wide-open tight end Willie Rodriguez in the end zone to walk it off for the Wildcats.

Despite two turnovers by the home team, the Gamecocks had their way on Kentucky’s defense all night, compiling 458 total yards.

The Wildcats weren’t too shabby either with 394 total yards, as Minchey and company improved to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play.

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