All about the matchups vs. Kentucky
Oct. 07, 2022
Here are two of the match-ups that can help lead the Gamecocks to victory Saturday night.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LINE VS. KENTUCKY OFFENSIVE LINE
The Gamecocks' defensive line has shown some fight in recent weeks. The Gamecocks are averaging over nine quarterback hurries in their five contests this year, including 24 over the last three weeks of competition.
That’s come despite missing starting defensive end Jordan Strachan, who suffered a season-ending injury at Arkansas in Week 2. Kentucky has branded itself as an offensive line factory in Mark Stoops’ decade as the head coach This year’s Wildcats group, though, has taken a seeming step back.
UK allowed 12 pressures last week against an Ole Miss defense that has been leaky at best during Lane Kiffin’s tenure in Oxford. It’s also surrendered 19 sacks 3.8 per game in 2022.
South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in sacks this year but may find itself some opportunities to get after quarterback Will Levis or whoever plays quarterback for Kentucky given his variable health status. The Gamecocks will need to create pressure to get the high-flying Wildcats offense off schedule this weekend.
SOUTH CAROLINA DB CAM SMITH VS. KENTUCKY WR TAYVION ROBINSON
Cam Smith entered the year as one of the most-hyped eligible defensive backs in this year’s NFL Draft cycle. So far, he’s looked the part. Smith is allowing just 6.4 yards per reception the fourth-best mark in the Southeastern Conference and allowed just 38 yards total this year, per Pro Football Focus.
Saturday, he’ll get his stiffest test of the year against Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson, among others. The Virginia Tech transfer anchors a dynamic Kentucky pass-catching group that also includes freshmen Dane Key and Barion Brown. Robinson is tied for second in the SEC with 365 receiving yards.
His 73 yards per game also rank tied for fourth in the league. Smith has played nickel and corner this year, in part, so he can line up on the opposing team’s best receiver. I’d expect to see Smith and Robinson lined up opposite one another plenty on Saturday.
Oct. 07, 2022
Here are two of the match-ups that can help lead the Gamecocks to victory Saturday night.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LINE VS. KENTUCKY OFFENSIVE LINE
The Gamecocks' defensive line has shown some fight in recent weeks. The Gamecocks are averaging over nine quarterback hurries in their five contests this year, including 24 over the last three weeks of competition.
That’s come despite missing starting defensive end Jordan Strachan, who suffered a season-ending injury at Arkansas in Week 2. Kentucky has branded itself as an offensive line factory in Mark Stoops’ decade as the head coach This year’s Wildcats group, though, has taken a seeming step back.
UK allowed 12 pressures last week against an Ole Miss defense that has been leaky at best during Lane Kiffin’s tenure in Oxford. It’s also surrendered 19 sacks 3.8 per game in 2022.
South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in sacks this year but may find itself some opportunities to get after quarterback Will Levis or whoever plays quarterback for Kentucky given his variable health status. The Gamecocks will need to create pressure to get the high-flying Wildcats offense off schedule this weekend.
SOUTH CAROLINA DB CAM SMITH VS. KENTUCKY WR TAYVION ROBINSON
Cam Smith entered the year as one of the most-hyped eligible defensive backs in this year’s NFL Draft cycle. So far, he’s looked the part. Smith is allowing just 6.4 yards per reception the fourth-best mark in the Southeastern Conference and allowed just 38 yards total this year, per Pro Football Focus.
Saturday, he’ll get his stiffest test of the year against Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson, among others. The Virginia Tech transfer anchors a dynamic Kentucky pass-catching group that also includes freshmen Dane Key and Barion Brown. Robinson is tied for second in the SEC with 365 receiving yards.
His 73 yards per game also rank tied for fourth in the league. Smith has played nickel and corner this year, in part, so he can line up on the opposing team’s best receiver. I’d expect to see Smith and Robinson lined up opposite one another plenty on Saturday.