South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Game Preview, Key Storylines, and What to Watch
South Carolina football is aiming to bounce back this weekend. After a tough 29-20 road loss to Missouri, Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks return to Williams-Brice Stadium for a primetime SEC clash with Kentucky.
The matchup has been kind to South Carolina in recent years. Beamer’s squad carries a three-game winning streak over the Wildcats into Saturday, and USC hasn’t dropped a home game to Kentucky since 2021.
South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Game Details
- Who: South Carolina vs. Kentucky
- When: 7:45 p.m. ET, Saturday
- Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: ESPN.com, ESPN app
- Broadcast Crew: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
- Local Radio: 107.5 FM (Todd Ellis, Tommy Suggs, Chet Tucker)
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Channel 106 or 190
- Series History: South Carolina leads 21-14-1 (last game in 2024)
Betting Odds
The Gamecocks opened as six-point favorites but currently sit as 5.5-point favorites, per VegasInsider’s consensus line. South Carolina is 2-1 against the spread in 2025.
Injury Report
Wednesday’s SEC availability report listed six Gamecocks:
- Questionable: DBs DQ Smith, Judge Collier
- Doubtful: DB Buddy Mack III, OLs Nolan Hay & Cason Henry, DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
Tight end Mike Smith, who missed the Missouri game, and offensive guard Trovon Baugh, who only played on special teams last week, were not included — a positive sign for their return.
The SEC requires updated reports daily, with a final release 90 minutes before kickoff.
Weather Forecast
Fans should prepare for a humid Saturday in Columbia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible during the day. Rain is expected to clear by kickoff. Tailgaters could see showers around mid-afternoon, with temps near 80 degrees, dropping into the mid-70s by kickoff and hovering around 70 during the game.
Key Storylines
1. The Run Game Must Improve
South Carolina managed just 39 rushing yards last week against Missouri, with sacks pushing the total to -9. The Gamecocks rank last in the SEC in rushing yards per game (80.25). “Being able to run the ball would certainly make things easier for South Carolina,” Beamer admitted.
2. Tackling Troubles
Missed tackles have plagued the defense, with Beamer frustrated by 10 against Vanderbilt and 16 against Missouri. According to Pro Football Focus, USC has 44 missed tackles this season and posted its lowest tackling grade (44.6) against Missouri. Beamer said addressing the issue has been a practice priority.
3. Expect a Slugfest
Beamer expects another physical game. “It’s going to be a battle,” he said. Recent history backs him up — since 2016 (excluding 2020), neither team has scored more than 24 points in a single matchup.
4. The Schedule Only Gets Tougher
This matchup looms large for South Carolina’s postseason hopes. A win would push the Gamecocks to 3-2 heading into their bye week, but the road ahead includes LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M — all ranked opponents.
Players to Watch
- QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina: Sellers threw for a season-high 302 yards and two touchdowns on 18-of-28 passing against Missouri. It was his third career 300-yard performance, two of which have come against the Tigers.
- WR Vandrevius Jacobs, South Carolina: Jacobs had a breakout performance last week, catching seven passes for 128 yards and a 49-yard touchdown.
- QB Cutter Boley, Kentucky: The redshirt freshman takes over the offense with Zach Calzada sidelined. Boley threw for 240 yards and two scores in his first start against Eastern Michigan.
- RB Seth McGowan, Kentucky: The transfer from Oklahoma via New Mexico State and Butler CC ranks eighth in the SEC with 275 rushing yards and is tied for second with six rushing touchdowns. Beamer called him a back who “runs with violence.”
South Carolina’s Upcoming Schedule
Aug. 31: vs. Virginia Tech – W, 24-11
Sept. 6: vs. S.C. State – W, 38-10
Sept. 13: at Vanderbilt – L, 31-7
Sept. 20: at Missouri – L, 29-20
Sept. 27: vs. Kentucky – 7:45 p.m. (SEC Network)
Oct. 11: at No. 9 LSU – TBD/Flex
Oct. 18: vs. No. 18 Oklahoma – TBD/Early
Oct. 25: vs. No. 8 Alabama – TBD/Flex
Nov. 1: at No. 21 Ole Miss – TBD/Flex
Nov. 15: at No. 19 Texas A&M – TBD/Early
Nov. 22: vs. Coastal Carolina – TBD/Afternoon
Nov. 29: vs. No. 4 Clemson – Noon (ABC/ESPN)
