Kentucky Wildcats Face South Carolina in Crucial SEC Showdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Wildcats are set to play the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, September 27, at 7:45 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. This matchup is critical for both teams as they seek to improve their positions in the Southeastern Conference.

Kentucky enters this game with a record of 2-1, having won against Toledo and Eastern Michigan while narrowly losing to Ole Miss. The Wildcats did not play last week, giving them additional time to prepare. Meanwhile, South Carolina stands at 2-2, having dropped their last two games to Vanderbilt and Missouri. Historically, South Carolina leads the series against Kentucky 21-13-1, including a 10-5-1 advantage at home.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley is expected to start for Kentucky, marking his third start of the season. In his last appearance against Eastern Michigan on September 13, Boley completed 12 of 21 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Mark Stoops praised Boley’s performance, stating, “Cutter’s done some really good things. We’ve watched him play and show flashes, and we’re very high on Cutter.”

The Wildcats will rely on their rushing attack, led by running backs Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell, to complement Boley’s passing game. McGowan currently ranks fifth in the nation with six rushing touchdowns this season. Stoops acknowledges the necessity of a balanced offense, especially against South Carolina’s aggressive defense.

For South Carolina, quarterback LaNorris Sellers aims to bounce back after a shaky start to the season. Despite injury issues plaguing the offensive line, Sellers is seen as capable of changing the game’s momentum if he finds his rhythm. The Gamecocks hope to capitalize on Kentucky’s vulnerabilities, particularly in their offensive line.

The stakes are high, as this game could determine the trajectory of both teams this season. If Kentucky secures a win, it could signal a resurgence for Stoops’ program. Conversely, a loss may intensify scrutiny on Stoops and the program’s future.