Continuing our look at the Gamecocks’ 2011 schedule, today we run down Kentucky, the 8th toughest game on the schedule.
Other Previews:
The Kentucky Wildcats come to Williams-Brice Stadium on October 8.
Why this game might be easier than expected: South Carolina has out recruited Kentucky for years. That talent advantage appeared to manifest itself in the first half of last year’s game. Two halves like that, and this game will be a cake walk.
Why this game might be harder than expected: Remember the second half of last year’s game? Also, Kentucky usually plays the Gamecocks extremely close. Don’t be surprised if this one is close too.
5 Points to consider:
1) This game falls at a bad time for the Wildcats. They will have played Florida at home and then on the road at LSU in the two weeks preceding the game with USC.
2) Kentucky loses almost every skill position player on offense. Morgan Newton, who has some starting experience, will be the quarterback, but behind him the running backs and receivers will be new. No Randall Cobb. No Derrick Locke.
3) Kentucky coach Joker Phillips is in his second year. In road games he is only 1-4, and that lone win came in last year’s opener against Louisville.
4) The Wildcats return 10 of 11 starters on defense. That may not make too many offensive coordinators nervous since UK gave up 28.4 points per game last season.
5) Remember the last defense under Lou Holtz in 2004, the one that had 12 sacks all year? The architect of that D was Rick Minter who is the new co-defensive coordinator for Kentucky.
Way too early prediction: South Carolina build a lead early, but then Kentucky is allowed back in the game. SC wins 34-24.
