Kentucky comes into Williams-Brice Stadium playing better football than South Carolina. It is really that simple.

The Wildcats are 3–1, riding a two-game winning streak and coming off a game in which they ran for 390 yards and averaged more than nine yards per carry. C.J. Baxter, Jason Patterson and Jovantae Barnes all rushed for more than 100 yards.

That is a terrible matchup for a South Carolina defense that could not stop Mississippi State on the ground and just surrendered 489 yards of total offense to Alabama.

Kentucky will not ask Kenny Minchey to win this game by himself. Will Stein will attack Carolina with that three-headed running game, use play-action and force the Gamecocks to prove they can make consistent tackles for four quarters.

Offensively, Carolina must build around Matt Fuller. He was the most effective weapon against Alabama, rushing for 112 yards. If Kendal Briles stays committed to Fuller and allows LaNorris Sellers to use his legs, the Gamecocks can move the football.

But eventually Sellers will have to make throws on third down, finish drives and protect the football. That is where the predictor turns toward Kentucky.

THE GAME SCRIPT

Carolina comes out emotionally charged in front of the home crowd and moves the ball early. Fuller breaks a couple of runs, Sellers makes a play with his legs and the Gamecocks stay close through the first half.

Kentucky remains patient.

The Wildcats continue pounding the football, wearing down Carolina’s defensive front and controlling the second half. Minchey hits one or two explosive passes off play-action, and another costly Carolina mistake either a turnover, penalty or failed fourth-down attempt gives Kentucky the separation it needs.

Carolina has enough talent to win this game. What it has not shown is enough discipline, quarterback consistency or defensive toughness to make me believe it will.

JB’S GAME PREDICTOR

Kentucky 34
South Carolina 24

Kentucky rushes for more than 250 yards, Minchey throws two touchdown passes and the Wildcats pull away in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina falls to 2–3 overall and 0–3 in the SEC and the heat beneath Shane Beamer goes from uncomfortable to damn near unbearable.