The Ole Ball Coach brings his unranked South Carolina Gamecocks into Commonwealth Stadium tonight to take on the hungry Kentucky Wildcats. South Carolina is currently a 3.5 point favorite over UK.
Kentucky will be without two of their explosive freshman. Boom Williams and Dorian Baker are suspended for this game due the on campus incident Sunday night. Javess Blue, Jojo Kemp and Mikel Horton are going to get extra touches due to the suspensions and will make the best of the opportunity.
If Kentucky’s defense can get to Dylan Thompson early, he is already a little gimpy, they could set the tone early. The defense also needs to contain USC running back Mike Davis.
Here are predictions from the guys at Saturday Down South
South Carolina (-3.5) at Kentucky
Brad: Huge game for the Gamecocks in hopes of re-establishing some sort of confidence in this year’s team. Dare I say a loss could trigger a tailspin that results in a 6-6 disaster? It’s possible, especially if Steve Spurrier loses interest following a humiliating setback to a program he’s beaten 20 times. I don’t get all that hate from the fanbase on Dylan Thompson after last week’s loss. South Carolina was a fourth-down stop away from sitting pretty in the Top 15 at 4-1. It may be ugly at times, but the Gamecocks fly home from the Bluegrass with fading division titles hopes still on the table. I will say this: If South Carolina doesn’t win based on the talent difference alone, Spurrier has some explaining to do for this team’s ineptitude this season as one of college football’s most overrated. South Carolina 34, Kentucky 24.
Christopher: Steve Spurrier has a reputation for sulking and not performing his best once things turn South. And a two-loss September for a team with College Football Playoff aspirations certainly fits that characterization. The Wildcats have a good defense, but Patrick Towles isn’t enough to take advantage of a vulnerable South Carolina secondary. Mike Davis is rounding into shape as well. The bottom line is South Carolina easily would’ve been better than a 10-point favorite before the season. Kentucky’s players are inspired by the possibility of making a bowl game, while the Gamecocks are close to being disinterested. But there’s still a talent gap here. South Carolina 28, Kentucky 21.
Prediction
Prediction: South Carolina at Kentucky Kentucky wins their second straight SEC game South Carolina 28 Kentucky 31
— Chad Pugh (@ChadPugh_NOB) October 4, 2014
