University of Kentucky
Location: Lexington, KY
Student Body: 28,094 ( 19,292 undergrad)
Stadium: Commonwealth Stadium, capacity- 67,606
Head Coach: Joker Phillips 3rd season as Head Coach, 12-17 overall record
Overall Record Vs. USC: USC leads the series 15-7-1
Last meeting: USC won 54-3 in Columbia
UK’s 2012 record: 1-3overall, 0-1 SEC, losing last week to Florida 38-0
Read more below to find out what might happen this Saturday in Lexington, KY……
Trap Game? I don’t think so as the team will not take the Wildcats lightly. Yes, most Gamecock fans are looking forward to the Georgia game next week but Spurrier will not over look a Kentucky team that surprised the Gamecocks the last time they played in Lexington. Kentucky has been struggling but does has just enough talent to make it an interesting game, especially if the Gamecocks are looking ahead to UGA.
Wildcats offense: Kentucky’s offense is scoring 23 points per game and averaging 376 yards through the first four games. Kentucky’s offense has struggled all season but really looked bad last weekend against Florida without starting quarterback Maxwell Smith. The Wildcats could only muster up 219 yards and did not score last weekend with back up Morgan Newton at the helm. Smith should be back this week against the Gamecocks, but I am not sure how much this well help against a stout South Carolina defense.
Kentucky’s offense has been pass-heavy so far this season, throwing the ball 78 more times then they have run the ball. The Wildcats top two recievers are La’Rod King and Aaron Boyd, both with good size and speed. King has 26 receptions and two touchdowns on the season, and Boyd has 18 receptions and one touchdown. They should get many looks and USC needs to be ready for the pass (a lot).
As for the running game, Kentucky is led by junior Raymond Sanders and Jonathan George. Sanders has rushed for 201 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. George has rushed for 155 on 32 carries and three scores.
Wildcats Defense: Kentucky’s defense has struggled all season, giving up 400 yards of total offense and 29 points per game. The Wildcat’s leading tackler on the season is junior linebacker Avery Williamson, who has 41 tackles on the season. Also playing well is sophomore Alvin Dupree who has 32 tackles and two sacks on the season.
What Might Happen on Saturday: Can Connor Shaw and the USC football team keep up what they started last week against Missouri. If USC can come out early and score a couple touchdowns, the Wildcats should fold pretty quickly. Look for Lattimore to have a big game, and score at least two touchdowns. If USC comes to play like they did last week, they should be resting the starters by the end of the third quarter. Kentucky does have some talent at the skilled positions but depth will be an issue. Look for Spurrier to take advantage of a depleted secondary with quick passes to the tight ends and speedy wide receivers. South Carolina’s defense is only giving up on average 9 points per game, and this should continue in Lexington.
Prediction: USC 42 Kentucky 10
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