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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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COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 21: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks throws a first quarter pass against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 21: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks throws a first quarter pass against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

1. Ryan Hilinski needs a bounce-back game

Ryan Hilinski is coming off a rough game against Missouri the previous weekend. He only completed 13-of-30 attempts for 166 yards along with a touchdown and an interception and 75 of the 166 yards came on one play. He was under pressure a lot of the game and could never get comfortable.

This was only the true freshman’s third start under center for the Gamecocks, so growing pains are to be expected. He looked great in his first start against Charleston Southern, but that is to be expected against an FCS opponent.

What really impressed people was his performance against Alabama.

Even though Alabama beat South Carolina by more than three touchdowns. Hilinski threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns. He showed his toughness and ability to stand in the pocket with pressure around him against one of the best defenses in the nation. Alabama was all around way too much for South Carolina to handle, but Hilinski showed glimpses of the potential he has.

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Kentucky just lost to a true freshman starting quarterback for Mississippi State and will be looking to avoid losing to another true freshman at quarterback for the second weekend in a row. If Hilinski has a bounce-back performance against Kentucky and South Carolina’s defense can make some plays against the Wildcats’ offense the Gamecocks should improve their record to 2-3 and gain some confidence moving forward.