Football Cats Talk South Carolina, Bowl Game

By LARRY VAUGHT

How will Kentucky respond to its recent offensive collapse when it hosts South Carolina Saturday?
The Wildcats were outscored 55-0 in the second half by Alabama and Florida the last two weeks and gave up 488 yards while gaining only 77. In UK’s last 29 drives — not counting the Vanderbilt game — that have started in its own territory, the Cats have not scored a touchdown. Not one.

No wonder Kentucky coach Mark Stoops called it “losing football” after the Florida loss when I asked him about his offense going six straight possessions the second half at Florida without a first down.

Tight end Keaton Upshaw has eight receptions for 113 yards and two scores in UK’s last three games, including three catches for 28 yards and UK’s only touchdown against Florida. He says finding motivation for the South Carolina game will not be a problem.

“Our last game, go out and send the seniors out the right way and prepare for a bowl game,” Upshaw said.

Bowl game? He’s right. Win or lose, Kentucky probably is going to be bowl bound in this COVID-19 season.

Linebacker Jamin Davis said finding motivation also will be no problem for him.

“There’s no reason to bow your head, give up and throw the towel in. Nothing special about it. Just got to keep playing,” Davis said.

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