Kentucky is not bringing the same slow, predictable offense we became accustomed to under Mark Stoops. First-year head coach Will Stein has injected tempo, creativity and—most importantly—confidence into this football team.
The Wildcats arrive in Columbia at 3–1, ranked No. 24 and believing they can win on the road. That confidence comes largely from their 31–21 victory at Texas A&M, where they looked disciplined, physical and completely comfortable in a hostile environment.
Quarterback Kenny Minchey is the key to Kentucky’s offense. The Notre Dame transfer has completed 68 percent of his passes for 876 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. He was outstanding against Texas A&M, completing 14 of 18 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. But he has also been inconsistent. Pressure him, disrupt his timing and force him away from his first read, and he becomes a much more ordinary quarterback.
Kentucky’s most dangerous weapon is its running-back room.
CJ Baxter gives the Wildcats power and explosiveness, while Jason Patterson is averaging more than eight yards per carry. Jovantae Barnes gives them another experienced SEC back capable of carrying the load. Against South Alabama, Kentucky had three different backs rush for more than 100 yards—the first time that had happened in program history.
That should scare the hell out of Carolina after watching the Gamecocks struggle to stop the run.
Kentucky will use motion, multiple formations and two-back looks to force Carolina’s linebackers to communicate. Stein wants to stretch a defense horizontally, create hesitation and then attack the opening. Without Dylan Stewart, the Gamecocks must find another way to create disruption before Kentucky’s running game starts controlling the night.
Freshman receiver Kenny Darby is Kentucky’s primary vertical threat, averaging more than 17 yards per reception. Tight end Willie Rodriguez is Minchey’s security blanket underneath. However, receiver DJ Miller is doubtful, which would remove another explosive option from a receiving room that is not especially deep.
Defensively, Kentucky plays fast and creates turnovers. Jordan Castell and Georgia transfer Jakeem Godfrey have combined for three interceptions, while safety Ty Bryant is one of the most reliable defenders on the roster. The Wildcats intercepted Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed twice and currently rank among the national leaders in interceptions and turnover margin.
But this defense can be attacked.
Kentucky’s secondary has surrendered explosive plays and has allowed opposing receivers to produce big games. The opportunities will be there for Nyck Harbor and Carolina’s other wideouts—but LaNorris Sellers must recognize the coverage, deliver the ball accurately and quit leaving explosive plays on the field.
WHAT KENTUCKY WANTS TO DO
Kentucky wants to establish the run, keep Minchey out of obvious passing situations and make Carolina’s offense earn every yard. If the Wildcats can control the line of scrimmage and force Sellers into third-and-long, their defense will become much more aggressive.
WHAT CAROLINA MUST TAKE AWAY
The Gamecocks cannot allow Baxter, Patterson and Barnes to dictate the game. Kentucky’s passing attack becomes dangerous when the running game creates manageable downs. Carolina must load the box, win first down and force Minchey to beat pressure coverage consistently.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kentucky is not an elite football team, but it may be the more disciplined and confident team entering Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Wildcats believe they have found something under Will Stein. They have already walked into College Station and beaten a ranked Texas A&M team. They will not be intimidated by the environment Saturday.
Carolina has won four straight in this series, but history will not make a damn bit of difference once the ball is kicked. Kentucky is coming to Columbia expecting to end that streak.
The wounded animal in this matchup is South Carolina.
Now we find out whether it still has enough fight left to bite somebody.
