The Gamecocks host SEC East opponent Kentucky in their home opener at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16. The Wildcats have defeated the Gamecocks for three straight meetings dating back to 2014, including a 17-10 win in Lexington last season.
The Daily Gamecock sports staff caught up with Kentucky Kernel sports editor Chris Leach to preview the game.
Q: The Wildcats recorded the second-most rushing yards in program history last season. What is expected from All-American Benny Snell and the Wildcats' run game this season?
A: "Obviously expectations for Benny Snell are big. Many expect Snell to be a workhorse running back who could threaten the century-yard mark in any game. As for the running backs behind Snell, the Cats probably won’t have as much depth as they did last year, but A.J. Rose and Sihiem King should provide valuable snaps for the offense. King played well in UK’s spring game while Rose has performed well in practice coming off his redshirt year. I don’t think the run game will be as good as it was last year, but it will still be good enough to get the job done and open up the field for the passing game."
Q: Quarterback Stephen Johnson led the way in an upset over Louisville to end the regular season last year. How can he build on that performance this season? What did he do in spring practice to fortify his position as the No. 1 starter?
A: "I think what Johnson needs to do to build off last season is limit his turnovers. He went 5-3 in games he started in last season, and led the offense that was arguably responsible for most of UK’s wins. Despite last season’s success, I don’t think he is the presumptive No. 1 quarterback, as Drew Barker has reportedly been pushing Johnson for the starting job. Regardless, I think it’s Johnson’s job to lose because of what he did last season, and a big way he can fortify his starting job is limit his turnovers."
Q: The Kentucky pass rush has proven to be potent in the past, but there are still some question marks with the defensive line. What are the keys to defending USC's dynamic offense?
A: "The first key, and a key defensive coordinator Matt House emphasizes a lot in scrimmages, is stopping the run. That will be difficult due to UK’s lack of depth on the defensive line and Rico Dowdle’s emergence, but if the defensive line can stop the run and pressure Jake Bentley, I think UK’s defense will be just fine. The secondary is headlined by preseason All-SEC third-teamer Mike Edwards, and if the pass rush can cause Bentley to throw some sloppy passes, that could be the difference maker in a close game. However I think all of that will be difficult for UK’s defense to do, especially in only their third game."
Q: What is your prediction for the game and why?
A: "27-24, South Carolina. South Carolina will be a difficult opponent for the Cats, especially on the road, but honestly this game could go either way. I just think having home-field advantage, especially in the first home game of the season, will overwhelm the Cats and they could make costly mistakes. However, if the Cats walk into South Carolina with 2-0 record and lots of confidence, I could see them pulling it off, but initially I think USC will be too much to overcome."
Follow Leach on Twitter @chrisleach250 and read his coverage of the Wildcats at http://www.kykernel.com/sports/.