Running back Seth McGowan was at Oklahoma when South Carolina coach Shane Beamer was on the staff there. (Vicky Graff Photo)
It’s a strange position to be in but Kentucky fans have to hope that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is right about the 2025 Wildcats.
South Carolina has three straight wins over UK, including a 31-6 victory last year in Lexington when the Cats were almost a double-digit favorite but had less than 200 yards of offense. South Carolina’s defense simply overwhelmed UK’s offense from start to finish.
However, on the SEC Coaches Teleconference Wednesday Beamer stressed that UK had improved and praised UK coach Mark Stoops and his staff for what Kentucky did in the transfer portal.
“Have a big challenge on Saturday night with Kentucky coming to town. A ton of respect for coach Stoops and his level of success he’s had in Lexington for a long time,” Beamer said Wednesday. “Winning is hard, and he does it consistently, and I respect his team and the way they do things.
“They make you earn it, they make you beat them. Got a really talented team. They’ve certainly improved since last year with the development of their roster and portal additions.”
Do you believe him? Or is that just buttering up the Cats going into Saturday night’s game considering the Gamecocks have lost two straight conference games?
Beamer has been impressed with the “athleticism” on Kentucky’s roster.
“They’ve always been physical and tough. That’s coach Stoops’ DNA,” Beamer said. “But you watch Kentucky, this year, they’re that, but I think they’re even twitchier and they’re more athletic than they were last year.
“Veteran secondary that has come back, some portal additions up front on the defensive line and outside linebacker that have made a difference.”
Beamer, like everyone else, has been impressed by UK running back Seth McGowan, a New Mexico State transfer who started his career at Oklahoma when Beamer was on the Oklahoma staff.
“He runs with violence, and we’d better do a great job of tackling him this week, or it’s going to be a long night,” Beamer said. “And then they’ve got athleticism at receiver, a big, physical offensive line. I know they’re starting a new quarterback (Cutter Boley) this week. He’s a big, athletic guy who can make throws. So there’s a lot that impresses me.”
14 Responses
I do believe UK is better than last year because they couldn't have gotten much worse. I see a little truth in his comments and a lot of coach speak.
Good observations Old Fan
Rat Poison!
With you RJohn
This team has an ANE after 3 games of 1.48 ppp. This is weaker than last year's team at this stage of the season.
The improvement to the eyes may be elusive because the strength of schedule through 3 games is low.
I think this team is better than originally anticipated. We'll manhandle SC. Their offensive line was already weak and they are missing both starting tackles for this game.
I am anxious to see the Cutter Boley version. They seemed more energized with him at the helm.
Hey Normal…..better than originally anticipated??..a real laugher and another national embarrassment.
Cutter Boley will get a win in his first SEC game. I think him being a hometown kid is underated. When you grow up playing football with your friends and your acting like your the QB for Kentucky his dream has come true. He wants to win for his state. He also is very talented. I can see him have a All SEC type of season next year. You have to pull the plug on Calzada. It's good he's here as a backup in case Boley gets injured but it's Boley Time. He has waited his whole life for this and it's all starting now. He should have played against Toledo too. The more reps he gets the better he will be also playing him now you have a leg up on next year. It seems like he motivates the team more than Calzada. This is his second year in the program. He knows the plays better were the receivers will be. He just needs to get his timing down with the first team receivers. I also think you see the emergence of Stellato vs South Carolina. Kattus, Stellato, McGowan, Rodriguez, and possibly Law or Gilmore will all have a great game. What wins us this game is our offensive line is much better than there defensive line. Also our defensive line will give South Carolina fits. I'm calling for a close game. Kentucky covers the spread and wins by a touchdown. If the secondary can get a couple of ints. It will change the whole complexion of this game. We should be able to easily run the ball. McGowan should get over 100 yards and a TD. Rodriguez or Kattus will also scored a TD. Kentucky should be 3-1 (1-1) when they play Georgia. I expect Georgia to beat us but we will keep it close. My upset of the year is Kentucky will beat Texas.
I see 7-5 this year. If we get all our young guys back next year we can possibly go 9-3 or 8-4 in 2026. Our best football is clearly ahead. A bowl game this year and anything is possible the next couple years with Boley Rodriguez Patterson Gilmore that nucleus. We also have great young offensive lineman.
Terry, that's my line as well 7-5
Beamer is saying this because the fans are about flip course lose to Kentucky and your 2-3 with them maybe winning one game out of there next 5. A playoff contender 2 weeks ago could be 3-7 very easily and no bowl game. There season rides on the Kentucky game.
This is a game for the cellar of the SEC.
That's all it is.
The stakes are low, whereas elite & good SEC teams are playing games where the stakes are high.
UK @ SC may not be as significant as ALA @ UGA – unless being just above the lowest cellar dweller is viewed as “success” to some fans.who are pleased with Trump.
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