Buck says: USC 38, Kentucky 20. This game is everyone’s upset special, and it has all the trappings: USC coming off huge emotional victory, Kentucky in desperation mode, the ‘Cocks 10-game win streak over the ‘Cats (are we on borrowed time?). What those calling for an upset don’t realize about last week’s win is this is a South Carolina team with a different attitude and a different talent level. They’re going into Commonwealth like the SEC title is on the line, which in a way it is. It won’t be easy, but I’m going to fight my usual pessimistic urges and say we win this one going away. Once the Gamecocks settle in we’ll control the clock and continue our excellent work in the red zone. The big three of Garcia (200+), Lattimore (100+) and Jeffery (100+) will all have big nights. One more step towards the big showdown in Gainesville.
Tbone says: Gamecocks 35 Wildcats 24. Why? ‘Cause I like that score so much, that’s why. I would also like to see the Kentucky run defense (last in the SEC) get a steady diet of Lattimore and Maddox (and maybe even Kenny Miles?). Keeping the Kentucky offense, which has some punch, off the field is our best defense, so stick with the run, HBC. A question that needs to be answered is whether the Wildcats lead the SEC in pass defense because they are that good, or because opponents don’t need to do anything but run to win. Its gonna be cold road game (UK puts the visitors in the shade) which has bad pizza-related memories for me, but this still feels like a win going away.
G-Man says: USC 27-Kentucky 24. Don’t know about you, but I’m ready for Randall Cobb to graduate. Get ready to see a steady diet of the Wild Cobb tomorrow night. I’m betting we counter with Marcus Marcus and more Marcus. I’ve got the score a little lower because I suspect a lot of long drives, eating up the clock. Like last week, I expect EJ to commit to stop the run. If we can (and that means stopping Cobb), I like our chances. Hartline is a decent QB but I don’t see him as a threat to burn us much down field. We need another solid performance our of Garcia and a clean game-low penalties and turnovers. I’m expecting us to play well but have a feeling that UK will make this very difficult. We hold off a late rally to win-and quickly get the heck out of dodge.
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