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| {photo credit: fitnews.com} |
Two years ago as I sat in the stands at Kentucky after one of the ugliest loses I have ever seen by Carolina. I determined two things: Carolina always seems to overlook Vandy and Kentucky and that would probably be my one and done visit to Kentucky for an away game!
This year again I fear the same problem. After a huge win over Missouri last week and Carolina’s annual date with UGA looming next week, one could easily brush off this week’s match-up as an easy win. However, if you’ve been a Gamecock fan for long you know there are no easy wins in this league or division. While I am very hopeful of what lies ahead in the coming months for USC I know we must get past the Wildcats first!
Reasons Kentucky May Win
While Kentucky was blown out by Florida last week they have proven that they can put points on the board. In their first three games of the season they scored a total of 92 points before posting a goose egg last week at the Swamp. Their record states that they currently are 1-3 on the season, but that could very easily been 2-2 if they had been able to come through in an overtime loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Kentucky was also without the service of starting quarterback Maxwell Smith who was out of the UF game due to a shoulder injury (sound familiar Gamecock fans)! Smith is expected to return this weekend but freshman Jalen Whitlow is being prepared just in case Smith can’t go or gets re-injured during the game. These two quarterbacks could create a big boost for the Wildcat offense and be just the spark they need to take down #6 South Carolina.
Reasons South Carolina May Win
As a Gamecock fan I have come to expect some type of quarterback controversy throughout the season but as we enter the fifth game of the season we have none. Yes, both Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson have played superbly but still there is no controversy. I for one am thankful! Spurrier has reiterated time and time again that Connor Shaw is the starter and will remain so unless some unforeseen event occurs. Luckily if that situation arises I don’t think there will be many people worried about Thompson’s ability, especially when throwing the deep ball! With the outstanding quarterback play to go along with Marcus Lattimore in the backfield, the Gamecocks offense looks to be firing on all cylinders and here’s to hoping that continues until early January!
Of course you cannot discuss a Gamecock potential win without bringing up one of the nation’s best defenses. Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor are terrorizing every quarterback they face and with the return of DJ Swearinger, after his one week suspension, the secondary will be as strong as ever. Little known linebacker Brison Williams is also beginning to make a name for himself which is tough at Carolina considering the shoes he has to fill! Another exciting infusion to the game on Saturday may be the return of Akeem Auguste. He has been out after suffering an injury in preseason workouts, but according to Coach Spurrier in his Tuesday press conference he has been practicing and all indications point to him being ready to play on Saturday. His presence on the field will be a huge bonus to an already stellar defense.
Keys to the Game
UK: The Wildcat offense must protect the ball and prevent turnovers.
USC: The defense needs to again create points and give the offense a short field.
Final Score: USC 35, UK 13
Post written by Gamecock Girl Sports Bloggess Lauren Hall.
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