When Kentucky and South Carolina square off this weekend, the matchup might be best described as a battle of offensive offenses. Both teams have leaned on their defenses, while their offenses have left plenty to be desired. They just so happen to be doing it in a little different way.
Kentucky leans on the ground
According to TeamRankings.com the Wildcats rank No. 22 nationally in rushing (214.7 YPG), powered by a run-heavy attack (61.1% of plays). Efficiency has been there, too: Kentucky averages 5.1 yards per carry, good for 30th nationally. That pound the rock mentality has been there and Kentucky will heavily lean on it again against South Carolina.
Where the Cats struggle is through the air. They complete just 49.3% of their passes (No. 134 in FBS) and average 170.7 yards passing per game. Against a South Carolina defense that ranks top-25 in opponent completion percentage, efficiency will be critical. A good pass defense against a bad passing team could spell disaster if the Cats can't get their ground game going.
South Carolina relies on the pass
South Carolina is the inverse. The Gamecocks average only 65.3 yards rushing per game — 130th nationally. But their passing game has been far more effective, producing 251 yards per game with an impressive 9.3 yards per attempt (14th nationally). That coupled with Kentuckys propensity of giving up big plays at alarming rate, heading into the Eastern Michgan game Kentucky was #115th in explosive plays given up.
The challenge for the Gamecocks? Protecting the quarterback. South Carolina allows sacks on nearly 12% of dropbacks, one of the worst rates in college football. Kentucky will need to get pressure and get it often.
Defense may decide it
Both defenses have been respectable. Kentucky is holding opponents to 23 points per game, South Carolina to 23.7. The Wildcats are much stronger on third down (33%), while South Carolina forces more interceptions (top-20 nationally at 4.5%). That is a big factor considering Boley threw a couple dangerous passes against Eastern Michigan. Ball security will have to be there when Kentucky takes their shots downfield.
The bottom line
Saturday may come down to which offense can finally break through, Kentucky with a big run or South Carolina hitting deep downfield. Expect a lower scoring, grind-it-out contest where explosive plays could tip the balance. To find out the series history, start time, and tv coverage click here.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion