South Carolina at Kentucky – Preview and Prediction
KENTUCKY 2.5 S CAROLINA (56.5)
Implied Projected Score: Kentucky 29.5 S Carolina 27
MEGALOCKS LINE – PICK EM
The Game
If you ever wanted to see exploding heads on live TV this is your chance. The intensity will be at a fever pitch on Saturday at Mark Stoops and Will Muschamp will do their best to not literally explode in a fit of rage. Both of these teams are hungry for bowl season and each team has this one circled on their calendars as a “must-win”. Underrated Saturday night TV, yo.
The Match-Up
Kentucky offense vs S Carolina defense
We do like this match-up for the Wildcats. Backup QB (for long?) Stephen Johnson did some fine work in week three passing for over 300 yards and 3 TDs. And yes – the Kentucky offense put up almost 700 yards against New Mexico St which set a bunch of records. Now let’s be clear, the Gamecock defense is worlds ahead of the Aggies BUT the fact remains that the Wildcats have something going on offense (35 points vs S Miss) and S Carolina is going to have their hands full. Last week the Gamecocks held a potent E Carolina offense to only 15 points but were helped by (+4) in turnover margin and good red zone defense. The Wildcats will find the going more difficult but should easily get into the 20s.
S Carolina offense vs Kentucky defense
Freshman Brandon McIlwain is now the official starter at South Carolina. We think this is the best move for the program going forward. Here is the question – Can he take advantage of the worst defense on earth outside of Texas Tech ? The Gamecocks are ranked #123 in total offense and are still a year away from being a respectable SEC offense. Then again – you can screw up and still pick up 67 yards against Kentucky so it is hard to get a handle on what might happen in this game.
MEGA Minutia
Last season the Wildcats beat S Carolina on the road 26-22…..Crazy factoid to amaze your pals….South Carolina does not play another road game until NOVEMBER 12th….MEGALOCKS research staff dug extra deep for that gem.
Summary
Ok. It is pretty simple. You cannot bet Kentucky with that defense. And you cannot bet the under given the state of the Kentucky defense. Do you really want to trust a freshman QB on the road in a game that Kentucky pretty much absolutely has to win to make a bowl game ? Feels like a game to run away from really really fast.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: None