COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s defense returned two turnovers for touchdowns within a span of three plays on Saturday night and the Gamecocks beat Kentucky, 35-13.
The Wildcats (2-2, 0-2 SEC) were
gashing South Carolina with the run and held a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. Quarterback Cutter Boley was sacked by Dylan Stewart, the ball popped loose and defensive lineman Jatius Geer retrieved it, chugging 40 yards for a touchdown.
Two plays later, Boley cast into the secondary but his pass clanged off the hands of Kendrick Law. South Carolina’s Gerald Kilgore gobbled the carom and sprinted 45 yards to the end zone.
Trailing 21-10, the Wildcats tried to get their offense back in gear. Boley again threw deep but was belted by Desmond Umeozulu on the throw.
South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse intercepted to start another touchdown drive. The Gamecocks (3-2, 1-2) added another touchdown in the fourth quarter while Kentucky only managed a field goal after its quick 10-0 start.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks’ maligned offense had a respectable night, scoring three touchdowns of their own to match the defense’s two, but still struggled to run the ball (48 rushes, 178 yards). Quarterback LaNorris Sellers was better at escaping sacks but still took too many avoidable hits by not throwing the ball away.
Kentucky: Boley was leaning on his running game and it looked like the answer early. The turnovers dug him a hole he couldn’t escape, especially as the Gamecocks’ pass-rushing elevated (six sacks).
South Carolina: Following a bye week, the Gamecocks are at No. 4 LSU on Oct. 4.
Kentucky: The Wildcats are at No. 5 Georgia on Oct. 4.
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