South Carolina Gamecocks vs Kentucky Wildcats: Matchup Time

Oct 16, 2010; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Chris Matthews (8) is tackled by South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Jimmy Legree(35) during the 4th quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

It’s already the middle of the week, so that means it’s matchup time here at Garnet and Cocky. It might seem pointless to write this column for a the South Carolina Gamecocks road game against the Kentucky Wildcats, but I probably would’ve thought the same thing two years ago if I had this website. We all know what happened the last time Carolina headed to Lexington, don’t we?

So if there’s any matchup Kentucky has a chance of winning, what is it?

Well, he didn’t do much against Florida, but if the Wildcats offensive line can hold up long enough to give their QB time to throw, he’ll probably be looking to hit La’Rod King vs Carolina’s Secondary most of the time.

King has 26 receptions (most on either team) for 227 yards (most on either team) and two touchdowns this season.

Jimmy Legree will probably be tasked with shutting him down, but when Legree comes out, Akeem Auguste will see his first playing time of the season. King could surprise people in this one against a the rusty Auguste.

Other than that position battle, though, there’s really no chance Kentucky wins another. Still, there are a couple other intriguing matchups to watch Saturday.

Marcus Lattimore vs Kentucky’s Linebackers

No. 21 will get through the Wildcats offensive line all night, so it’ll be up to UK’s LBs to stop him from getting further down the field. Lattimore will also continue to be an important part of USC’s passing attack, and he gained more than 130 yards on four receptions against Big Blue before coming out before halftime in 2010.

Jadeveon Clowneyvs UK Double Teams

It’s become apparent that opposing offensive lines will attack SC’s defensive line by sending relentless double-teams at Jadeveon Clowney.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has done a good job shifting the line around, changing formations, and playing Clowney as a hybrid linebacker at times to get him in one-on-one situations, but you can bet UK will still do whatever it can to make sure he doesn’t get a clean shot on their quarterback.

Again, this should be an easy one for Kentucky, but on the road in the SEC, a win is far from certain against anyone.