There’s no such thing as a bad win, especially in the SEC. But there are ugly wins and Kentucky won one Saturday night in Columbia, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks, 16-10.
Turnover and ball security issues continued for the Wildcats, who turned it over three times vs. South Carolina.
Kentucky’s offense put the UK defense in horrible spots all game, but time and time again, Brad White’s unit held strong. Kentucky stopped South Carolina on four fourth-down attempts, each stop shifting momentum back in Kentucky’s favor.
Kentucky never trailed after marching down the field for a touchdown on the opening possession, a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 15-yard touchdown run by Kavosiey Smoke. That would prove to be the main highlight for the UK offense on a night that belonged to the UK defense and kicker Matt Ruffolo.
The first of three Matt Ruffolo fields goals on the final play of the first half sent Kentucky to the locker room with a 10-0 advantage.
Like Kentucky did to open the game, South Carolina scored on the opening possession of the second half to cut the UK lead to 10-7. That would be the only time the Gamecocks found the end zone.
Kentucky added two fields goals by Ruffolo the rest of the way and South Carolina drilled a 54-yarder late. But the Wildcats lined up in the victory formation on the final play of the game.
Kentucky improves to 4-0 (2-0 SEC) on the season, setting up a showdown at Kroger Field next Saturday vs. Florida.
Check back for postgame coverage.
