After narrowly picking up its first win of the season, South Carolina is set to face its first in-conference test of the 2024 campaign.
The season is still young, but a positive result against Kentucky on the road could help the Gamecocks build some momentum before entering a three-game home stand (with a bye week sandwiched in between).
Before the game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on the ABC, here’s what the Wildcats bring to the table.
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How they got here
Kentucky also heads into this weekend with a 1-0 overall record, having yet to play against an SEC opponent this year. The Wildcats impressed in their season-opener, defeating Southern Mississippi 31-0 in a contest that was called in the third quarter due to inclement weather.
Last season, Kentucky a garnered a 7-6 overall record, including a 3-5 mark in conference play. The Wildcats began the season on a five-game winning streak, punctuated by an upset win over then-No. 22 Florida. But the team’s form took a dip as it went 1-5 over its next six games against SEC competition.
Kentucky finished the regular season on a high note, though, picking up a 38-31 upset victory on the road against in-state rival Louisville, which was ranked No. 10 in the country at the time. That victory against the Cardinals ultimately helped the Wildcats clinch a bowl game appearance for the seventh straight season. Kentucky would go on to lose the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl 38-35 to Clemson.
Last time out
Both the Gamecocks and Wildcats are familiar with one another, having played against each other each year since 1992. South Carolina heads into this edition of the all-time series on a two-game winning streak.
Last year, the Gamecocks picked up a 17-14 win over the Wildcats to keep their bowl game hopes alive. South Carolina’s offense that night was led by Spencer Rattler and Xavier Legette, who now ply their trade in the NFL. Rattler finished the contest with 207 yards on 19-of-27 (70.4%) passing and two touchdowns. Legette was the recipient of both touchdown passes and logged 94 receiving yards across six receptions.
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Where they sit in the rankings
Kentucky is not ranked in either the AP of USA Today Coaches polls. It did, however, receive votes in both. The Wildcats received two votes in the AP poll (which essentially means they are ranked tied for No. 42 in the country, if the rankings extended beyond 25 teams). They also received 23 votes from the USA Today Coaches poll, putting it at No. 29 overall.
In ESPN’s College Football Power Index (FPI), Kentucky is ranked No. 28 with an 8.6 FPI. Its projected record is 6.4-5.6. The team has a 71.7% chance of winning six games this season.
In ESPN’s SP+ rankings, the Wildcats check in at No. 22.
Kentucky sit 24th in the Massey Ratings. It ranks 38th in offense and 21st in defense.
ESPN gives the Wildcats a 69.6 percent chance to win this weekend. Kentucky heads into the contest as 8.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET.
Players to watch
Deone Walker (Junior, Defensive Tackle) — Despite not recording any statistics in his season opener, Walker projects to be one of the top players at his position this season. He was named not only Preseason First Team All-SEC, but also a First-Team All-American by ESPN and Sporting News. In 2023, Walker also led the Wildcats’ defense in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback hurries (eight) and sacks (7.5), a statistic he finished eighth in the SEC in. And he also performed well against the Gamecocks last year, recording two sacks and a career-high nine tackles.
Barion Brown (Junior, Wide Receiver) — Brown is one of the Kentucky’s most versatile weapons, as his impact is felt on both offense and special teams. He totaled 28 receiving yards on four catches, scoring twice in the Wildcats’ season opener against the Golden Eagles. But he’s also among the best return specialists in the country. Brown has the most return touchdowns (four) in Kentucky football history, tying the SEC record in that category. Last year, he led the country by averaging 36 yards per kick return.
Brock Vandagriff (Junior, Quarterback) — Vandagriff’s days of serving as a backup are over, as the former Georgia signal caller made the move to Kentucky this past offseason. In his first collegiate start, he completed 66.7 percent of his passes (12-18) for 169 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. He also showcased his ability to create plays outside the pocket, gaining 35 yards on five rushes.
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Path to victory
Regardless of the opponent, any road game South Carolina has to play will be a difficult test for the team. The Gamecocks have garnered a 6-17 record away from Williams-Brice Stadium over the past five seasons. Half of those victories came in 2022, and the team was winless in five road contests last season.
But for South Carolina to pull off an upset victory, the team’s offensive chemistry — specifically between LaNorris Sellers and his wide receivers — must improve from last week. Kentucky has multiple dangerous players along its defensive front, like Walker and fellow Georgia transfer Jamon Dumas-Johnson , which could force Sellers out of the pocket and limit the Gamecocks’ ground attack.
In his first collegiate start, Sellers showed he can challenge opposing secondaries with deep passes to receivers streaking down the sidelines. Should South Carolina’s running backs be limited, Sellers may be relied upon more heavily to lead the team’s offense.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Gamecocks’ defensive line needs to continue piling pressure on Vandagriff. Forcing him into making mistakes — or, even better, turning over the football — will be imperative if South Carolina wants to keep the score close. The Gamecocks recorded four turnovers against Old Dominion, two of which led to touchdowns. South Carolina needs to convert on those opportunities and turn them into points, should they arise.
South Carolina’s secondary also needs to mitigate Kentucky’s potential for making explosive plays. The two touchdowns the Gamecocks allowed to the Monarchs were 35 yards or longer. Vandagriff, like Sellers, is going to lean on his arm to progress the Wildcats’ offense down the field. And South Carolina’s defensive backs should be prepared for that.
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