5 keys to victory vs. South Carolina

It’s a big week for the Kentucky Wildcats, who will host South Carolina at 3:30 PM ET today in the SEC opener for both programs.

The Gamecocks come into the game with a 1-0 record, but their win over Old Dominion was anything but impressive. Kentucky is currently an 8.5-point favorite, and a victory is crucial for setting up a successful season and potentially hosting College GameDay for the first time since 2007.

Here are the five keys to victory for the Cats this weekend:

1. Offensive Line Play

The offensive line struggled against Southern Miss last weekend, though their opponent did feature a potential NFL Draft pick on their defensive line. South Carolina, however, boasts two future draft picks: Dylan Stewart, a true freshman and former 5-star recruit who forced a fumble last weekend, and Kyle Kennard, who also forced a fumble in the red zone against ODU. For Kentucky to succeed, the offensive line—especially Gerald Mincey and Marques Cox—needs to deliver a strong performance.

2. Put Pressure on the Freshman QB

LaNorris Sellers, a redshirt freshman quarterback, appeared overwhelmed in the pocket against ODU. With Kentucky’s defensive line strength, this game is huge for J.J. Weaver and Deone Walker. I expect that Kentucky’s defense will apply significant pressure, potentially leading to a pick-six. Brad White is one of the greatest defensive minds in College Football, and this will show that off to the country.

3. Consistency from the Run Game

With Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum sidelined, Demi Sumo-Karngbaye, Jason Patterson, and Jamarion Wilcox will carry the load. Wilcox, in particular, showed promise last weekend and will need to continue his strong performance to support the offense.

4. Win the Special Teams Battle

Kentucky struggled with punting last season, but Wilson Berry is reported to have improved significantly. South Carolina has a history of solid special teams play, including a punt return touchdown last season. Kentucky must aim for touchbacks on kickoffs, make field goals, and provide good field position for their defense. If they can average 40+ yards per punt and pin South Carolina’s offense inside their 20-yard line, Kentucky will gain a substantial advantage.

5. Make Explosive Plays

Bush Hamdan demonstrated a willingness to stretch the field in game one, with Brock Vandagriff throwing for 169 yards in just 36 minutes of play. With playmakers like Barion Brown, Dane Key, and Ja’Mori Maclin, Kentucky has the potential for explosive plays. I expect Vandagriff to throw for over 300 yards and rush for over 50 yards in this game.

In summary, I fully expect Kentucky to have a strong performance this weekend. They should apply pressure to the freshman quarterback, protect Vandagriff, and make plenty of explosive plays to secure a big win.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 38, South Caroline 14