It’s been a big week for Kentucky. The Wildcats got their first SEC win since 2011 on Saturday with a victory over Vanderbilt, though we knew that was going to happen sooner or later. UK is vastly improved under Mark Stoops — in overall talent and on the field — and the Wildcats even nearly upset Florida earlier this year. Now, they’ll get a chance for another win over a bigger program when they host South Carolina.
How to watch South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can Kentucky get another (much bigger) SEC win?
It’s been a year of ups and downs, but mostly disappointment for South Carolina. The Gamecocks were walloped by Texas A&M in their opener, and after a bounce-back game against Georgia, they lost again to Missouri. The win over Georgia could help in a tiebreaker, but right now, South Carolina isn’t in the position it thought it was be in for the early part of the SEC East race.
Can Kentucky pull off the upset and really get the Stoops era going? This would be a big win if it happens.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: South Carolina is 3-2 and dropped from the national rankings this week. Kentucky is 3-1 and unranked.
Vegas: South Carolina opened as a 7.5-point favorite and is now a 5-point favorite. The over/under is 55.
Weather forecast: A high of 56 and a low of 40 with a chance of showers.
Two things at stake
South Carolina can’t lose this game and still be a serious contender in the SEC East.
A loss isn’t devastating for Kentucky, but the Wildcats’ arrival to the SEC stage will be moved up if they win.
One big matchup
South Carolina offense vs. Kentucky defense: South Carolina’s defense has been exposed this year, and that’s bad news against a Kentucky offense that has proven that it can move the ball effectively. Both teams will move the ball in this game, but the biggest burden will be on the Kentucky defense, which stepped up big against Vanderbilt. The Wildcats’ defense has clearly improved, but it’s one thing to show up against Vanderbilt, and it’s another thing to show up against South Carolina. Will the defense step up? If so, UK could pull off the upset.
Further reading
Read A Sea of Blue for more on Kentucky and Garnet and Black Attack for more on South Carolina.
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