This is more of a pick against South Carolina than for Kentucky. The Gamecocks are straight-up losers in seven consecutive SEC games and nine of the last 10. Reputable QB LaNorris Sellers has been so shaky that embattled coach Shane Beamer gave backup Cutter Woods extra practice snaps and could deploy him. Accomplished edge rusher Dylan Stewart sits under a one-game suspension for fighting, which heightens the challenge for a team that has allowed 90 points the past two weeks. Kentucky prefers running than passing, and S.C. has been ineffective slowing ground games. A few good words about the Wildcats: They've been a pleasant surprise.
South Carolina’s statistical profile is a picture-perfect example of misleading statistics. The out-of-conference wins over Kent State and FCS Towson by a combined 102-9 overshadow a 0-2 SEC start that includes blowing a 16-0 lead at home vs. Mississippi State and getting blown out by Alabama. After an early 16-0 lead over Mississippi State two weeks ago, South Carolina has been outscored 80-36 in 6.5 quarters since. They rank 15th of 16 SEC teams in defensive EPA/play allowed in conference play. Kentucky, behind C.J. Baxter and Jason Patterson in the backfield, has a 52.0% rushing success rate and is 30th in the nation at 203.5 rush yards per game. Outside of a disastrous second half against Alabama, the Wildcats have played great an upset A&M.
