The goal for head coach Will Muschamp’s team is to become bowl eligible this season, and ending September 3-1 with a win over Kentucky would drastically increase South Carolina’s chances to go bowling.
Add in the fact that Saturday’s game is a must-win for the Wildcat program to even think about being bowl eligible in 2016 and head coach Mark Stoops will be coaching for his job, and Saturday’s matchup will be more difficult than perceived.
The Wildcats come off a 62-42 win against New Mexico State, but, make no mistake, Kentucky has had their struggles. They gave up an 18-point lead after being shut out in the second half against Southern Mississippi to lose 44-35, then got embarrassed the following weekend by Florida’s defense who only allowed 149 yards of total offense in a 45-7 Wildcat loss.
Against New Mexico State, though, the Wildcats found their rhythm on offense behind transfer quarterback Stephen Johnson. Johnson, known as a dual-threat, threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns and added another 51 yards on the ground. All three of those touchdowns went to sophomore tight end C.J. Conrad, who also lead the Wildcats in receiving with 133 yards.
Kentucky also produced big numbers on the ground with their stable of workhorses. For the first time all season, the Wildcats eclipsed triple digits in their running game. The team amassed 381 yards rushing with the majority of the numbers split between Stanley “Boom” Williams and Benjamin Snell Jr. The two had 181 yards and one touchdown and 136 yards and four touchdowns, respectively.
The biggest concern for Stoops’ team is his defense. Through three games, they have given up over 40 points each game and average a bit under 44 points against. Their total defense ranks 123rd with 1,584 total yards given up.
That’s not to say they don’t have some studs on that side of the ball.
Kentucky’s deepest and most talented position is arguably their secondary. Manning the corners are two huge sophomores in 6-foot-3 Derrick Baity and 6-foot-4 Chris Westry. While young and still raw, they have the ability to shut down star receivers by using their height advantage and deceptive quickness to break on passes. Behind them, J.D. Harmon has shown his knack for turnovers as he is tied with fellow teammate, safety Blake McClain, and others for first in the SEC with two interceptions. Strong safety Mike Edwards is third in the SEC in tackles with 27, only eight tackles behind teammate Jordan Jones, who leads the SEC.
Saturday’s game will be at 7:30 p.m. at Kentucky. The SEC Network will televise the game for those not in attendance.