Why Kentucky Didn't Kick the Extra Point

A big cheer went up Las Vegas sportsbooks Saturday when Kentucky, a seven-point underdog, scored a touchdown as time expired against Florida. The Wildcats, seven-point underdogs, had just cut the deficit to 45-37 and were an extra point from giving their financial backers a push.

But there was no conversion attempt. The Wildcats simply walked off the field, giving Florida backers the victory and enraging those who had wagered on Kentucky.

So what happened? An NCAA rule put in play last season states that "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."

Las Vegas Hilton sportsbook director Jay Kornegay, above, said the game was one of the more heavily bet of the day. As word of the rule spread throughout the sportsbook, the emotional swing among bettors is one he won't soon forget.

"The reversal of fortune happened within just a few seconds. It was priceless," he said.