Game had no kick for Kentucky bettors

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky coach Rich Brooks was upset last week when oddsmakers made the eighth-ranked Wildcats a touchdown underdog to No. 14 Florida.

Turns out the bookmakers were right. Many oddsmakers had the Gators as seven-point favorites Saturday, and the Gators narrowly covered in their 45-37 victory, but not without some confusion at the end.

The Wildcats scored a touchdown on the game’s final play when Andre Woodson hit Keenan Burton. Yet rather than attempt an extra point or a two-point conversion, the Wildcats slowly walked off the field while the Gators celebrated.

The NCAA rule – Rule 8, Section 3, Article 2, states:

“The ball shall be put in play by the team that scored a six-point touchdown. If a touchdown is scored during a down in which time in the fourth period expires, the try shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game.”

Prior to 2006, the rule said the extra-point try was mandatory unless the team that was losing left the field of play.

The lack of an extra point in the game prevented a “push” – meaning the spread was hit on the number. Those who took the Wildcats and the points lost their bets.

Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said bettors’ reaction was “priceless.”