Takeaways: Kentucky drops a close game on the road against South Carolina

What can we take away from Kentucky's loss to South Carolina?

Andrew Stefaniak | Nov 18, 2023

Takeaways: Kentucky drops a close game on the road against South Carolina /

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It was a low-scoring game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, but the Cats can't get it done on the road.

Some costly turnovers hurt the Cats, but this was a must-win, and Mark Stoops's squad wasn't able to get it done.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 17-14 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks?

The Cats turned the ball over

Kentucky turned the football over three times in this football game, including an interception in the red zone and a fumble when the Cats were moving the football. If Kentucky wants to beat an SEC East rival on the road, losing the turnover battle isn't the way to do that. If Kentucky wants to have a chance of beating their rival, the Louisville Cardinals, on the road next week, they need to take care of the football.

Kentucky continues to start slow

The Cats went down 10-0 in this ball game against South Carolina. It's hard to beat a team on the road when they go out to an early lead. Kentucky's first few possessions on offense were ugly, which led to the Gamecocks taking a big early lead. If Kentucky wants to beat the Louisville Cardinals next Saturday, the Cats need to get a quick start against the team from the ACC.

Cats have struggles on the road

Kentucky has played Vanderbilt and Mississippi State on the road and won. These were two football games they should have won. The two games that were vitally important to their season for different reasons they lost, which was this game and the blowout loss to Georgia. It's hard to feel confident that Kentucky has a chance against Louisville next week if they can't play good football on the road. Coach Stoops just can't seem to get it done on the road this season, and it really has hurt the Cats.