Kentucky comes into the game Saturday with a record of 2-2 and 0-2 in the SEC. UK simply can't afford to start their SEC schedule 0-3 so this weekend's game is crucial before the Cats travel to Auburn next weekend. Before the season, I predicted the Cats would win eight games this season. I'm still optimistic that the Cats can get there, but Mike Hartline and the special teams units must play better. UK can't afford to keep the defense on the field the entire game.
UK is averaging 25 points per game against Miami-OH, Louisville, Florida and Alabama. The good news for Cat fans is that UK has shown they can run the ball and the offense has shown some life. Against Alabama, UK posted 20 first downs and 301 yards in offense. Obviously Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb are the playmakers, but expect to see wide receiver Chris Matthews come up in a big way against the Gamecocks. The more Matthews plays, the more confidence he gains.
USC is averaging 27.2 points per game against NC State, Georgia, Florida Atlantic, Ole Miss and South Carolina State. The Gamecocks rely heavily on Stephen Garcia to make plays with his feet and finding Wesyle Saunders, the big tight end who continues to be a difficult match-up for opposing defenses. Saunders will not play against UK due to injury so Garcia will look to hook up with his other favorite target, Moe Brown. The Gamecock defense has been the story of the season which is led by All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood.
UK comes into this game a little banged up, but both teams have key players out. UK's top two cornerbacks, Trevard Lindley and Paul Warford, will be on the sidelines due to injury. Also, UK linebacker Danny Trevathan has missed practice this week with flu-like symptoms, OT Justin Jeffries missed practice due to an injury and running back Alfonso Smith will play in a cast. South Carolina will be without their big tight end Weslye Saunders so they will start freshman Justice Cunningham. Also, the Gamecocks lost defensive tackle Travian Robertson for the season against Ole Miss and cornerback Akeem Auguste has been suspended for three games.
Clearly UK has already played the best in the country in Florida and Alabama. The key for UK will be for Martavious Neloms and Randall Burden to step up at cornerback. Also, UK must continue to mix in Randall Cobb in the "Wildcat" formation to keep the defense guessing and Derrick Locke needs a big game rushing the ball. Finally, Mike Hartline will have to step up in the pocket to make throws, if not Eric Norwood will start receiving Heisman votes. Finally, this is the year the Cats pull off the upset and finally end the Spurrier curse. The Gamecocks are simply to "cocky" and this game sets up nicely for the Cats to come into Columbia and take one from the Ol' Ball Coach.
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