JJ Weaver had another sack against South Carolina. (SEC Photo)
Kentucky’s big-play offense was not exactly that against South Carolina — and it’s fair to worry about what might lie ahead against Southeastern Conference defenses that are a lot better than the ones UK has faced so far. But don’t overlook that time after time in Saturday night’s 16-10 win at South Carolina that the Kentucky defense also came up big.
Twice in the second half with UK leading 13-7 the Cats stopped South Carolina on fourth down tries in Kentucky territory and also held the Gamecocks to a late field goal after UK pushed the lead to 16-7.
Stoops, a defensive guy, gushed over defensive coordinator Brad White and the defenses for stepping up “time and time again” in the win.
He said the defense wanted to make stops after Kentucky’s turnovers — a fumble by Chris Rodriguez and two by Josh Ali along with a Levis interception.
“They didn’t put their head down and mope,” Stoops said about the defense. “That says a lot and does not surprise me. We have got a lot of guys who have played a lot of football. We have got to bring along some young guys and get more depth but they played their hearts out tonight.”
The pregame goal was to hold South Carolina to 3.7 yards or less per rush. Kentucky did that by holding South Carolina to 58 yards on 26 carries — an average of 2.2 yards per try.
“They have good backs. Brad challenged our guys and they buckled down,” Stoops said.
Linebacker DeAndre Square led UK with eight tackles. He said in a weird way, UK’s defense gets excited when the offense has a turnover.
“We have the mentality that if sudden change happens, it’s a good thing, not a bad thing,” Square said. “We can go show our talent. We get excited, not because of the turnover but because we have a chance to go show what we can do.”
Square said winning on the road when the defense gave up just 216 yards is a confidence builder.
“The SEC is a tough league. I take any win we can get,” Square said. “Tonight’s victory I am happy with. We just have to go back to practice and work hard. But I will take any win and be happy.”
