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

By Steven Hamner

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks directs his team against the Virginia Cavaliers during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-0. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks directs his team against the Virginia Cavaliers during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-0. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Erroll Thompson #40 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs leaps over running back Kavosiey Smoke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats while trying to block a pass from quarterback Sawyer Smith #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Erroll Thompson #40 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs leaps over running back Kavosiey Smoke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats while trying to block a pass from quarterback Sawyer Smith #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

2. Pressure Sawyer Smith

Kentucky quarterback Sawyer Smith came off the bench Week 2 when Terry Wilson went down with a season-ending injury. He looked good the rest of that game as he threw two touchdown passes and took care of the ball. However, that was against Eastern Michigan, but Kentucky fans were still happy with the performance.

Smith faced Florida the following the week and started the game off accurate and efficient. However, once Florida got pressure on him he was off target and threw three interceptions in their heartbreaking loss.

In the previous game against Mississippi State, he was sacked three times and under pressure most of the game. That pressure led to off target throws as he only completed 15-of-41 pass attempts. He got banged up a big as well, which probably played a roll in his performance.

South Carolina will be looking to do exactly what Mississippi State did to the Wildcats and put pressure on Smith and not allow him to sit in the pocket comfortably. South Carolina’s defense has eight sacks with four interceptions through their first two games and will look to improve both of those numbers this Saturday.

A strong defensive performance will go a long way in the Gamecocks’ chances to win the game.