Kentucky Football: 3 keys to victory vs. South Carolina in Week 5

2. Protect Sawyer Smith

When starting quarterback Terry Wilson suffered a season ending injury in Week 2 against Eastern Michigan, backup quarterback Sawyer Smith took over.

The transfer from Troy came in to be the backup, but quickly got thrust into the starting lineup once Wilson was injured. He finished the game against Eastern Michigan completing 5-of-9 passes for 76 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The following week was Kentucky’s game against Florida, which ended up being a heartbreaking loss for the Wildcats. Smith started the game off efficient and well protected, but eventually Florida’s defense got to him and forced three interceptions and sacked him once.

Last week in Kentucky’s loss against Mississippi State, Smith got banged around a bit and was under pressure a lot of the day. He was only 15-of-41 for 232 yards with an interception. He was sacked three times and banged up his shoulder a bit, which could have caused some inaccurate throws.

Long story short, like with most quarterbacks, if the Wildcats are able to protect Smith and give him time, he will most likely be efficient and accurate. South Carolina will try to scheme up pressure on him, which is fine as long as Kentucky has drawn up plays to get rid of the ball quickly.

Protect Smith and the chances of him playing well increase as do the chances of Kentucky winning.