While most national analysts are siding with South Carolina this week, one SEC voice is breaking from the pack.
Josh Pate, host of the Late Kick Live YouTube show, is backing Kentucky to upset the Gamecocks in Columbia. Pate admitted he’s uneasy about South Carolina’s -5.5 favorite status heading into Saturday’s matchup.
“Kentucky at South Carolina. This game is in Columbia, it’s in the Cockpit, but it’s not Cocktober yet,” Pate quipped. “This line is 5.5, and that counts home-field advantage. What we’re saying here is there is less than a field-goal gap between these two teams on a neutral field, and I agree.”
Why Pate is leaning Kentucky:
- South Carolina’s offense has struggled, ranking 123rd in total yards and 130th in rushing yards.
- The Gamecocks are short on wide receiver depth, relying heavily on explosive plays to move the ball.
- Kentucky’s biggest strength—running the football—lines up directly against Carolina’s defensive weakness.
“There’s a lot that points to Kentucky here, just to be frank,” Pate added. “I think they can win outright. I’m putting a 9 on it.”
That “9,” on his confidence scale of 10, means Pate is 90 percent sure Kentucky will at least cover the spread, if not win outright.
The bold prediction quickly stirred up debate among Gamecock fans online. Many pointed to Kentucky’s history of struggling on the road and Mark Stoops’ inconsistencies after bye weeks. Still, Pate hasn’t wavered.
One fan even pleaded on X: “Please don’t embarrass me.”
Meanwhile, local outlets are framing the matchup as pivotal. With a bye week ahead and a tough October slate looming, many believe Kentucky is a must-win game for South Carolina.
History suggests Stoops has a knack for shaking up the SEC with a signature upset. Even during last year’s 4-9 collapse, the Wildcats stunned Ole Miss and nearly knocked off Georgia. Saturday could present a similar opportunity.
