Kentucky Football: Six Must-Win Games In 2016

Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops celebrates after a replay confirmed a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops celebrates after a replay confirmed a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) hands off to South Carolina Gamecocks running back Shon Carson (7) in the second half of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) hands off to South Carolina Gamecocks running back Shon Carson (7) in the second half of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina Gamecocks

Date: Saturday, September 24
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium
2015 W-L Record: 3-9 (1-7)
2015 Head-to-Head Result: 26-22, Kentucky

The South Carolina Gamecocks have the talent to recover from a 3-9 2015 season and return to a bowl game. This game will come early enough in the season for Kentucky football to capitalize on some inconsistencies.

The Wildcats defeated the Gamecocks in Columbia in 2015, which makes the home field advantage something that must be capitalized on in 2016.

South Carolina will improve upon its play from a season ago, but this early-season game is a prime opportunity for Kentucky to pick up a victory. Kentucky has the confidence of being the Gamecocks in 2015—on the road.

If South Carolina hasn’t yet come into its own, then a Week 4 victory in Lexington should be expected of the Wildcats.

South Carolina hasn’t figured its quarterback situation out just yet, which is exactly what Kentucky should want to hear. It has two of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in Chris Westry and Derrick Baity, both of whom make plays on the ball.

This will not be easy, but Kentucky needs to win a few games against SEC opponents if it’s going to play in a bowl game.

Next: October 8

Schedule

Schedule