ICYMI: An early game by game look at the Kentucky Wildcats football season

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson (17) looks to pass during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. South Carolina defeated Miami 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

@ SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS (7-6)

The Gamecocks finished with six losses last year which was the first time that has happened since 2009. And in 2015, Steve Spurrier’s team seemingly has more questions than answers. For the second straight season, Spurrier has to break in a new QB and the frontrunner for the job is Connor Mitch, who has all of six career passes. In addition, the Gamecocks suffered heavy losses on both offense and defense.

The Gamecocks have holes in their offensive line and are still looking for a way to put pressure on the quarterback. In addition, the Gamecocks secondary was frequently shredded last season and most preseason publications have the Gamecocks firmly in the second half of the SEC East … right above Kentucky.

If Kentucky wants to make a statement that they are a bowl contender, this is the game to do it. It sounds weird to say it, but I am looking at this game as a toss-up game right now. I don’t think South Carolina has ever been this vulnerable, although the game is on the road. And until Kentucky can start winning these SEC games on the road against teams they should be able to compete with, I can’t pick them yet.

Maybe this game is the beginning of a trend for Kentucky.

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