Kentucky vs. South Carolina Short Report | Nov 18, 2023
Williams-Brice Stadium
Columbia, SC
Nov 18, 2023
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Game Recap
In a tightly contested game on November 18, 2023, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious against the Kentucky Wildcats with a final score of 17-14. The Gamecocks, under head coach Shane Beamer's intense guidance, started strong with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Rattler to Xavier Legette in the first quarter. Placekicker Mitch Jeter extended the lead to 10-0 with a 23-yard field goal. Kentucky's Devin Leary cut the deficit with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Barion Brown in the second quarter, narrowing the score to 10-7 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Kentucky seized momentum with a 31-yard touchdown run by Ray Davis, giving them a brief 14-10 lead. The Gamecocks' defense, led by Jordan Strachan and Nick Emmanwori, proved resilient. Emmanwori's pivotal interception in the red zone kept Kentucky at bay. In the fourth quarter, Spencer Rattler's 17-yard pass to Xavier Legette sealed the win for South Carolina. Rattler's composure under pressure and Legette's reliability were crucial in this SEC thriller, encapsulated by South Carolina's relentless defense thwarting Kentucky's final rally.
Key Plays:
Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)
South Carolina's high-octane offense struck early as quarterback Spencer Rattler connected with wide receiver Xavier Legette on a precise 13-yard touchdown pass. This early score set the tone, giving the Gamecocks an important lead and showcasing Rattler's poise and accuracy under pressure.
Mitch Jeter (South Carolina)
Special teams played its part when kicker Mitch Jeter nailed a 23-yard field goal as the first quarter wound down. This kick extended South Carolina's lead to 10-0, emphasizing the importance of a reliable kicking game in tight contests.
Devin Leary (Kentucky)
Kentucky's offense showed resilience when Devin Leary found Barion Brown for a 7-yard touchdown pass. This play closed the gap to 10-7, shifting momentum toward the Wildcats and putting pressure on the South Carolina defense.
Ray Davis (Kentucky)
The tide seemed to turn in Kentucky's favor when Ray Davis broke through for a 31-yard touchdown run. This explosive play gave the Wildcats a momentary 14-10 lead, showcasing Davis's speed and ability to capitalize on defensive gaps.
Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)
In crunch time, Spencer Rattler demonstrated his clutch gene by hitting Xavier Legette for a 17-yard touchdown pass. This pivotal play reclaimed the lead for the Gamecocks at 17-14, underlining Rattler's role as the catalyst for South Carolina's offensive success.
Jordan Strachan (South Carolina)
Defensive end Jordan Strachan set the tone early with a sack on Kentucky's Devin Leary, ending the Wildcats' opening drive. This play not only energized the defense but also disrupted Kentucky's initial game plan.
Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)
Defensive back Nick Emmanwori showcased his instincts and timing by intercepting Devin Leary's pass in the red zone. This critical turnover halted Kentucky's scoring opportunity and preserved South Carolina's chance to reclaim control of the game.
Standout Players:
Spencer Rattler (South Carolina, QB)
The quarterback was instrumental in the Gamecocks' win, completing 19 of 27 pass attempts for 207 yards and two crucial touchdowns. Rattler's precision and decision-making under pressure were key, especially during the fourth-quarter drive that resulted in the game-winning touchdown.
Xavier Legette (South Carolina, WR)
As the primary receiving target, Legette caught 6 passes for 94 yards, including two touchdowns. His remarkable ability to find space and secure tricky catches, particularly the game-winner in the fourth quarter, highlighted his importance to South Carolina's offensive strategy.
Devin Leary (Kentucky, QB)
Despite demonstrating moments of brilliance by completing 17 of 34 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, Leary's performance was marred by costly interceptions, including a critical one in the red zone that halted a potential scoring drive.
Ray Davis (Kentucky, RB)
Davis was a bright spot for the Wildcats, tallying 61 rushing yards on 12 carries. His standout moment was a dynamic 31-yard touchdown run that gave Kentucky a temporary lead, showcasing his speed and agility.
Jordan Strachan (South Carolina, DE)
The defensive end's impact was felt early and often. Strachan recorded two sacks, including one on Kentucky's opening drive that disrupted their offensive rhythm. His relentless pressure on the quarterback helped stifle the Wildcats' passing game.
Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina, DB)
The defensive back was pivotal in thwarting Kentucky's scoring efforts, collecting 8 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles. Emmanwori's crucial interception in the red zone was a momentum-shifting play that preserved South Carolina's lead.
References:
Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks - Final Score - November 18, 2023 | FOX Sports
Football vs Kentucky (11/18/23) – University of South Carolina Athletics
South Carolina vs Kentucky: Updates, live score in college football
Kentucky Football falls vs South Carolina: Recap, 4 takeaways and mourning - A Sea Of Blue
South Carolina defeats Kentucky 17-14, live recap
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Kentucky Wildcats
0
7
7
0
14
South Carolina Gamecocks
10
0
0
7
17
