PHOTOS: Gamecocks one step closer to bowl eligibility after 17-14 win to Wildcats

The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 17-14 at Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023. The win was the Gamecocks' third in a row and puts the team one win away from the threshold for bowl eligibility with a record of 5-6 (3-5 SEC). Redshirt senior quarterback Spencer Rattler and fifth-year wide receiver Xavier Legette cemented their names in the school record books with standout performances in the victory.

Senior defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway celebrates a fumble recovery late in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Nov. 18, 2023. The win was the Gamecock's third straight victory, all of which have come from home games.

Sophomore defensive back Nick Emmanwori celebrates with sophomore defensive back Kajuan Banks after Emmanwori intercepted a Kentucky pass. The Gamecocks defeated the Wildcats 17-14 in Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023.

Redshirt senior quarterback Spencer Rattler weaves through offensive and defensive players during the game against Kentucky on Nov. 18, 2023. The Gamecocks defeated the Wildcats 17-14 and now only need to win one more game to be bowl eligible.

Redshirt freshman defensive back Emory Floyd and redshirt senior linebacker Bam Martin-Scott cover Kentucky running back Ray Davis during a game in Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023. The Wildcats had 293 total yards compared to the Gamecocks' 257.

Redshirt senior running back Mario Anderson shifts directions to avoid Kentucky defenders. The Gamecocks defeated the Wildcats 17-14 and only have to win one more game to be bowl eligible in Shane Beamer's third season as head coach.

Fifth-year wide receiver Ahmarean Brown faces off against sophomore defensive back Jonquis "JQ" Hardaway during South Carolina's game against Kentucky on Nov. 18, 2023. The Gamecocks beat the Wildcats 17-14.

Freshman defensive back Jalon Kilgore avoids a Kentucky defender while making his way down the field on Nov. 18, 2023. Kilgore forced a Wildcat fumble and had five total tackles and a pass broken up.

Freshman defensive back Jalon Kilgore maneuvers past a Kentucky player as he runs down the field on Nov. 18, 2023. The South Carolina defense forced three turnovers in the 17-14 win.

Senior defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway celebrates a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against Kentucky on Nov. 18, 2023. The Wildcats had three turnovers in the game against the Gamecocks.