Kentucky's offensive line has not fared well against South Carolina in recent games. (Vicky Graff Photo)
South Carolina has lost two straight Southeastern Conference games and had a variety of problems in both games but Kentucky coach Mark Stoops knows how difficult playing at Williams-Brice Stadium will be Saturday night.
“Going on the road in the SEC is difficult. We know playing at South Carolina — Williams-Brice. That place is incredible. What a great atmosphere. It’s always a real challenge,” Stoops said Monday.
It could be an even bigger challenge with redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley making his first SEC road start.
“I think it’s about us and our operation for him to play in a hostile environment like that, we have to have people play good around him. We have to really work this week on the silent count and crowd noise and all those things,” Stoops said.
South Carolina had won seven straight SEC night home games under coach Shane Beamer, who has wins over UK the last two years, before getting shocked by Vanderbilt two weeks ago. Overall Stoops is 4-2 at South Carolina but South Carolina has given up just five touchdowns in the previous four games with UK.
“It’s going to be a great challenge. A game that’s important to both of us. And a South Carolina team that’s very good coming off a tough loss,” Stoops said. “I’m sure they’ll be amped up and our team will be prepared and ready to go.”
Kentucky is 2-1 with wins over Toledo and Eastern Michigan along with a home loss to Ole Miss.
Stoops said he had not really looked at the last four UK-South Carolina games where the UK offense has had trouble scoring under three different offensive coordinators.
“Last year I think was the game that stood out. It was just (quarterback) protection. They had some guys that wrecked it and pressure was a big thing. I think last year, that was the first SEC game for us and going into that matchup, we didn’t know exactly how we would hold up,” Stoops said.
“I think we found out a lot in that game that that was a tough matchup for us. Do what you can do and find some ways to chip and protect and not let those guys just wreck a game. But overall South Carolina has always been a good matchup, they’ve always played very aggressive, extremely impressive up front, in particular, if you’re going back to the past, last year they had really good cover guys, a lot of those guys returned.
“And the guys up front, I don’t think enough was talked about last year with their interior players, and the same this year, very disruptive. But last year they had some very experienced guys, guys that were there for a long time to go with the game wreckers on the edge.”
South Carolina could not stop Missouri’s rushing attack in last week’s road loss. Kentucky has leaned on its running game, especially Seth McGowan, and figures to do that again to hopefully keep the pressure off Boley as much as possible.
“That is obviously a point of emphasis, that balance, you’ve heard me say it 2,000 times probably, but you have to have some balance. And you go back again to previous games, if we are not able to run the ball and you have to draw back and pass, that was an area of concern a year ago in particular,” Stoops said. “So we have to have a balance. The run game, it always starts there with us.”
11 Responses
In other words, UK has to have an offense. I agree.
Here are the data for UK and USC through 3 and 4 games each.
Offensive Efficiency: UK 3.2 ppp USC 2.7 ppp
Defensive Efficiency: UK 1.7 ppp USC 1.3 ppp
Net Efficiency: UK 1.48 ppp USC 1.47 ppp
This game is a dead heat on a neutral field. The Home Field Advantage gives USC the pre-game advantage. Vegas had it 6 1/2 points, and Sagarin has it about 11 points. I believe the advantage is closer to 5 points than 6 1/2 points, and believe UK can win this game.
The UK offense against the USC defense should be the decisive match-up. However, look at the turnover tendencies, and if this holds true Saturday, UK may gain an extra possession, which can be decisive in this type of game.
The stars don’t lie. A close game for sure based on Net efficiency.
Close games can go either way, with mistakes being the difference maker. Those mistakes can be made by players but can also be made by clueless coaches. Poor play calling can win or lose a game in one snap!
SC made a double dumb play when coaches called for the QB to pass on 1st & Goal (right after a 46 yard completion) and the QB then have the opponent a giant advantage by getting sacked for about 15 or more yards which cost them a real shot at a TD.
UK needs to be ready and study film to see what kind of plays SC calls of 1st & goal around the 2. Be ready to sack the QB who obviously makes bad decisions when pressured.
Can the UK OL give Cutter a fair chance to have time to pass? That will be critical if UK wants to win.
Can the UK OC (under 100% control of the HC) make smart calls or will it be a routine day when play calls are not helpful.
Stoops said he knows SC will show up ready to play… we already know that. The question is whether UK will surprise everyone by not sleeping during the 1st couple of series after being put into a trance in the locker room?
I think Kentucky pulls out the win. Stoops wants this win more than any other game on the schedule. South Carolina has a terrible run defense. Kentucky will run all over South Carolina. Seth McGowan will rush for over 100 yards and Dowdell (if healthy) and Patterson will combine for another 100 yards. Bush shouldn't put to much pressure on Boley being that it's his first away SEC start. I look for him to pass the ball between 15-20 times. Just enough to keep the defense honest. One thing is for certain. If we dont put pressure on Sellers and have him running for his life and give him time in the pocket he will eat us alive just like last year. I do think the secondary is improved but without Waller they aren't as strong of a unit. Nichols is smaller and gets pushed off the line easier. I would start Dunn over Nichols. If we only rush 3 people on Sellers and drop 8 people and let him pass under neath of us "bend don't break" which to me is a chicken shit mentality. Never give up any yards unless you are milking the clock. We need to blitz and hit Sellers in the mouth early. Get some pressure on him and make him throw off balance. I do think our secondary causes a turnover or 2 they have done a great job causing turnovers. We never seem to get a fumble. I can't remember the last time we got a fumble recovery it's been awhile. I do think we pull this game out. Vandy beat South Carolina at SC by 27. If we can't at least win by even 3 points we don't stand a chance of making a bowl game this year. This game will determine our season. Win and we could surprise some teams this year. Lose and we will lose at least the next 3-4 games after this game. So you could call this game the season. Yes it's early but this game is crucial. If we win it might motivate the team to play above there game. I think Kentucky wins 30-26.
A win would be nice!
yes it would Little Baron
Hope you are right Terry
Terry needs to be in the locker room prior to the game to get them ready to do battle.
I like that idea Professor
Hey, I, too, an 83 year young lady, would love to be in that locker room. I know I could fire them up. I love love our football team and we can win one for the 'gipper' so to speak, but really for the fans, the state and themselves. You can do it, guys. Fight fight fight for the blue and white! Don't listen to all the naysayers. You CAN WIN this game. I'll be watching and screaming and yelling all during the game. If you hear a very loud and ear-popping noise coming from Louisville, it is UKKathy! GO CATS!
With you Kathy
Hey UKKathy we would love to have an 83-year-old young lady share her UK football/Big Blue Madness views with us on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports talk between 9 a.m.-noon. Give us a call at 859-280-2287