South Carolina kicked off their SEC season in dominant fashion, steamrolling Kentucky 31-6 in a commanding all-around performance. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw two key touchdowns, while Nick Emmanwori added a game-changing pick-six, leading the Gamecocks to their third consecutive win over the Wildcats.
Kentucky, fresh off a lightning-shortened win the previous week, struggled mightily. South Carolina's relentless defense held them to a mere 183 total yards, including just 44 through the air. The Gamecocks' five sacks and two interceptions, including Emmanwori's 24-yard return for a touchdown, sealed the Wildcats' fate.
“We prepared well all week, and it showed today,” said South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders. “It wasn’t anything flashy, just being ready for the moment.”
The Gamecocks (2-0) leaned on their defense to lead the charge, forcing four turnovers in two games. Their aggressive pass rush and stout secondary kept Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff uncomfortable from the start, never allowing the Wildcats (1-1) to find an offensive rhythm.
Sellers orchestrated a steady offense, throwing touchdowns to Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Joshua Simon. Despite being held to just 252 total yards, the Gamecocks capitalized on key moments, including a crucial offsides penalty on Kentucky that extended a pivotal drive in the third quarter.
Kentucky, meanwhile, was hampered by mistakes and failed to recover. After two field goals brought them within striking distance at 10-6 before halftime, the Wildcats faltered. A series of missed opportunities and untimely penalties doomed them, as they couldn’t find the end zone for the first time since the 2022 Music City Bowl.
“This was one of our worst performances,” admitted Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops. “We didn’t look like a well-coached team, and we didn’t respond the way we needed to.”
Raheim Sanders’ 21-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter helped South Carolina pull away, giving them full control of the game. Alex Raynor contributed with two field goals for Kentucky, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
South Carolina now sits atop the SEC’s expanded 16-team conference, thanks to their stellar defense and opportunistic play. Head coach Shane Beamer praised the complete effort from his squad.
“What a gritty, tough, and competitive win,” Beamer said. “Offense, defense, special teams—we showed it all today.”
Kentucky’s struggles, especially on third down (3 of 14), leave them with plenty to fix before they face the reigning national champions, Georgia, next week. South Carolina, riding high after this defensive masterclass, will prepare for a showdown against No. 18 LSU.
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