The 2-2 South Carolina Gamecocks look to rebound after an 0-2 start in SEC play, set to take on the Kentucky Wildcats at home. Saturday afternoon's game in Williams-Brice is an important one for head coach Shane Beamer, whose seat is hotter than ever after two straight conference losses.
If his Gamecocks can play well and get a win against a much improved Kentucky team, things will slow down a bit for him. At least for about a week, as South Carolina goes on the road to face No. 8 Florida next week.
For Kentucky, head coach Will Stein will be looking to get his team out to a 4-1 start. The Wildcats will also look to get another signature road SEC win, just like they did two weeks ago against Texas A&M.
With just about 24 hours until kickoff, here's a look at the final odds and prediction for Saturday's game.
Final odds for Kentucky vs. South Carolina
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Moneyline
- South Carolina (-142)
- Kentucky (+120)
Spread
- South Carolina -2.5 (-112)
- Kentucky +2.5 (-108)
Total
- 53.5 (over -115/under -105)
Odds change periodically and are subject to change.
Kentucky vs. South Carolina prediction
I do think the line being as close as it is means this will be a tight contest. It's no secret that Beamer knows that the knives are out for him. The competitor that he is means he'll be eager to prove his team's "hell of a practice" can translate to on-field success.
Kentucky has also proved it can win big SEC games on the road, delivering a shocking upset of Texas A&M just two weeks ago. The crowd will be a hostile one, as Williams-Brice sold out for its 20th consecutive game. But Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey has played well on the road before, throwing for 252 yards with two touchdowns against the Aggies in that win.
As much as I'd like to believe Beamer and think South Carolina can respond, I just haven't seen enough from the Gamecocks to justify picking South Carolina in this one, even at home. I do think it'll be very close, coming down to the game's final drive or two.
But with how inconsistent quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been in the last two weeks, I think Kentucky's pass-rush, which has nine sacks already, will come into play here. While South Carolina ran the ball well against Alabama, getting 216 yards on the ground, the result was just two touchdowns all night.
Unfortunately for Beamer, Kentucky might be one of the few opponents left on South Carolina's schedule that looks relatively winnable. The Gamecocks still have to play Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Georgia and Clemson. Spooky season, indeed.
Prediction: Kentucky 28, South Carolina 24
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