The Kentucky defense bent as long as it could before breaking without any offensive help against South Carolina. Brad White’s unit let up on a busted coverage to give up a wide-open touchdown on the second drive of the day for the Gamecocks, then allowed a field goal on a short field after the Wildcats turned it over on downs on their own 31. That would be the only damage going into USC’s second drive of the third quarter — 10 points allowed through 35 minutes.
Then came the breaking point, a 4th and 1 for South Carolina at the UK 49. In position to take back over on offense and flip a game well within reach down just four points, the Cats jumped offside to gift-wrap the first down conversion. Four plays later, the Cocks were in the end zone to go up 17-6.
Another penalty-filled three-and-out for Kentucky led to a nine-play, 43-yard touchdown drive for South Carolina, followed by a quick pick-six thrown by Brock Vandagriff. The Cats blinked and found themselves down 31-6 and out of the game.