The Last Word
By Randall Stewart
I always like to use this space to be a steadying influence on the Gamecock fan base. I try to be the voice of reason when people freak out about something, try to make sure we don’t get too fired up too early, and talk us off the ledge when we get down on the team or on a player. Many Gamecock fans are heading into this weekend with a sense of unbridled confidence. Normally, that’s something I’m not a fan of. But I can’t find a single reason not to believe this team will take Kentucky out behind the woodshed this week.
Let’s face it you guys. Kentucky is a bad football team. They lost to Western Kentucky in overtime two weeks ago for crying out loud. The Gamecock fans who perpetually believe the sky is falling will say that if we don’t take this team seriously, we could end up like the 2010 squad, who lost at Kentucky the week after beating top-ranked Alabama. But I don’t think that will happen. The only thing that has a chance to disrupt this game is next week’s showdown with Georgia. Carolina doesn’t need to look past Kentucky. But when have we ever looked past an opponent?
I see this as a game that affords Carolina the opportunity to work out some kinks. Not that there’s many that need to be worked out. But Lattimore still hasn’t quite looked like himself and the offense seemed mistake-prone last week. These are areas the Gamecocks can look to work on tomorrow night. This is the type of game that affords crucial opportunities for backups and young players to get reps to prepare them if they’re needed later in the season.
All in all, expect a dominant performance on both sides of the ball for the Gamecocks. I don’t see any way this game goes poorly.
Final score: Gamecocks 42-13
Photo Credit: Lexington Herald-Leader
