Final Thoughts: South Carolina vs Kentucky

South Carolina's football program needs to click on all cylinders to beat Kentucky and keep bowl hopes alive tonight.

In the final two games, the stage is set almost perfectly for the Gamecocks to keep their chances at playing in a bowl alive. Their last two games will not only be played at home but will be played under the lights in Williams Brice stadium. Williams Brice is a challenging place to play; lead alone at night. First things first, however, and the Gamecocks must find a way to get past Kentucky first and foremost. Here are the keys to the game.

Set The Edge

This Kentucky offense is more of a run-to-open-the-pass team, and typically, their success depends on how the run game is competing. With that, many of their runs are with their physical running back Ray Davis outside toward the tackles. However, while setting the edge is necessary, Davis does an extraordinary job of cutting back when it isn't there. So, while they need to force Davis back inside, they can't over-pursue.

Bam Martin-Scott and Jalon Kilgore tackling Vanderbilt quarterback Walter Taylor (Nov. 11th, 2023) / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Play To Your Strength

Offensively, it's essential that you remain balanced and not allow Kentucky to tee off on one aspect of your game. That being said, this team has an excellent quarterback in Spencer Rattler. Use him. Having success, gashing this Kentucky secondary will force the Wildcats to drop seven to eight guys and allow the running game to open up a bit more for the Gamecocks.

Win The Turnover Battle

This Kentucky offense has struggled on the road to be efficient. Averaging almost 100 yards less away from home, 21 of their 82 points scored in the SEC away from home have come directly from defensive touchdowns. So, making sure Spencer Rattler and this offense not only protect the ball but that the defense also forces more turnovers as they have in recent weeks will be crucial.

Shane Beamer and company couldn't have asked for a better kickoff time to allow this fanbase to get prepared to be loud and make this environment imposing for Kentucky on Saturday night. Now, they will have to do their job, execute from top to bottom, and ensure they hit on these keys to success, along with doing the little things correctly. 

*Click here to view our Gameday Central article, where you'll find all of the pertinent information you need regarding today's matchup*

How To Watch: South Carolina vs Kentucky

• Gameday: Saturday, November 18th, 2023.
• Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium
• Game time: 7:30 PM ET
• Kickoff Forecast (via Accuweather): 63 Degrees | Mostly Clear (Chance for rain: 0%)
• TV: SEC Network
• Radio: Gamecock Radio Network
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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