Kentucky's Stunner Blurs Title Race

Oct 14, 07:20 AM

Current Headlines: By JEFFREY MCMURRAY

By Jeffrey McMurray

The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky.

Kentucky topped them all by toppling No. 1 LSU.

Andre Woodson and the Wildcats became the latest team to shake up the national title race, and the first in nearly four years to take down the top-ranked team in the regular season, beating the Tigers 43-37 in triple overtime Saturday.

Woodson found Steve Johnson wide open in the end zone for a 7- yard score in the third extra period. The 2-point conversion, required after two overtimes, failed, but it didn't matter.

With a chance to win it, LSU (6-1, 3-1 SEC) couldn't get a first down on four straight running plays. Charles Scott was stopped a yard short on fourth-and-2 and No. 17 Kentucky (6-1, 2-1) had its first victory over a No. 1 team since 1964, when it beat Mississippi.

"It proved we're a team that obviously earns a lot more respect now," Woodson said in the middle of the on-field celebration. "We've come a long way from being a doormat in the SEC to competing with the best teams in the SEC and getting some wins."

No highly ranked team seems safe in a season of surprises. It started with Appalachian State knocking off then-No.

5 Michigan . In the past two weeks, 10 teams ranked in the top 10 have lost, including No. 2 Cal falling 31-28 to Oregon State on Saturday .

No. 1 had been safe, though, until now.

The last time a No. 1 team was beaten during the regular season was Dec. 6, 2003, when Kansas State beat Oklahoma 35-7 for the Big 12 title.

The last No. 1 team to lose in overtime was Miami, beaten by Ohio State in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Kentucky took its turn this time, led by a Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback.

Woodson wasn't sharp early, but completed 21 of 38 passes for 250 yards, throwing for three TDs and running for another. He largely had to carry the load with top rusher Rafael Little sidelined with a bruised thigh.

On the winning TD, Johnson was wide open because defender Jonathan Zenon tripped and fell. Woodson double-pumped before firing a strike.

"Whenever it starts to look dark, that's when they dig down and find something extra," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said.

LSU became No. 1 two weeks ago for the first time since 1959. It looks like the Tigers' stay atop the rankings will be a short one.

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