Three Takeaways From Kentucky’s Win Over South Carolina
With a 24-10 victory over the Gamecocks Mark Stoops’ squad moves to 5-0. That mark ties the best start by a Kentucky team since 2007. As you will see, the game was truly a tale of two halves. Let’s look at three takeaways from Kentucky’s win over South Carolina.
The Defense Came Up Huge
Kentucky jumped out to a 24-3 at the intermission. However, after the half, they failed to find the end zone for the first time this season.
While the offense struggled, Matt House’s defense stepped up big time. With the exception of a 58-yard touchdown from Jake Bentley to Deebo Samuel in the third quarter, the defense bent but didn’t break. That score came as a result of a badly mistimed interception attempt by Lonnie Johnson.
For the game, the Cats had four turnovers, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. The final pick came by safety Mike Edwards in the end zone as the Gamecocks attempted to cut the lead to seven.
Josh Allen had another huge game with eight tackles, four for a loss and three more sacks. He is inching closer to the school record. However, their was one huge blemish in the contest.
Midway through the third quarter, middle linebacker Kash Daniel was ejected for targeting after a Darius West interception. The school will likely appeal the call, which at most should have been an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1046219086412357632
As it stands right now, Daniel must miss the first half of next weeks game at Texas A&M. Following the game, Stoops said he thought there was nothing malicious about the hit.
The Offense Struggled Badly In The Second Half
As good as Eddie Gran’s offense was in the first half, they were equally as bad in the second. Rushing touchdowns by A. J, Rose, Benny Snell and Terry Wilson had Kroger Field rocking.
The run by Snell gave him 40 for his career, extending his school record. In addition, he went over 3,000 yards and joined some exclusive company.
SEC players since 2000 to reach 3,000 career rushing yards within their first 29 games with a rushing attempt: Darren McFadden, Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette, Benny Snell
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) September 30, 2018
While 99 yards rushing and a score is a good night, by Snell’s standards it was relatively quiet.
South Carolina did a great job of crowding the line of scrimmage forcing the Cats to throw. They had little success which let the Gamecocks hang around in the second half. The final of three takeaways from Kentucky’s win over South Carolina is much more positive.
Kentucky Is In The Midst Of A Special Season
In previous years, a game like the one on Saturday may have ended with a loss. However, even on a night when the offense struggled, the Cats still dominated another SEC foe. Kentucky is 3-0 in the conference for the first time since 1977. In fact, all three wins have been by double figures. That is something you don’t expect from the Wildcat football team.
Stoops’ Troops have a legitimate shot at the first eight-win regular season since 1984. In addition, a winning mark in the SEC and the first New Year’s Bowl in 20 years are also within reach. The long-suffering True Blue Fans need to relax and enjoy what is happening with this team.
Thanks for checking out three takeaways from Kentucky’s win over South Carolina here at Last Word On College Football. Next week the Cats close out the first half of the season when they visit Texas A&M. A place Kentucky hasn’t visited in over 60 years.
