Columbia, South Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Wildcats faced a tough defeat against the South Carolina Gamecocks, losing 35-13 in their SEC matchup. The Wildcats struggled offensively, committing multiple turnovers and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Quarterback Cutter Boley, in his first road start, completed only 4 of 11 passes with two interceptions. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s defense effectively contained Kentucky’s offense, leading to a decisive victory and improving their record to 3-2.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Kentucky Wildcats suffered a disappointing 35-13 defeat against the South Carolina Gamecocks in an SEC matchup on Saturday evening. The loss extends Kentucky’s streak, leaving them with an overall record of 2-2 and 0-2 in the Southeastern Conference, while South Carolina improved to 3-2 and 1-2 in SEC play.
Playing at Williams-Brice Stadium, Kentucky was looking to regain momentum after an early off week. This game marked the first career road start for Kentucky’s quarterback, Cutter Boley. Unfortunately for Boley and the Wildcats, South Carolina capitalized on several of Kentucky’s mistakes, turning the tide of the game in their favor.
As the match kicked off at 7:49 PM ET, both teams were under pressure. Kentucky had been searching for consistent offensive play while South Carolina was desperate to avoid their third consecutive loss in the SEC. The Wildcats made a promising start with running back Seth McGowan scoring a 20-yard touchdown early in the game, but that was one of the few highlights for Kentucky.
Turnovers plagued the Wildcats throughout the first half as they committed four before halftime. Boley struggled significantly during the game, completing only 4 of 11 pass attempts for 80 yards, including two costly interceptions. The Wildcats’ previous meeting with South Carolina saw them limited to just 183 total yards in a previous 31-6 loss, and this pattern continued as the Gamecocks’ defense contained Kentucky’s offense effectively.
The game quickly shifted momentum as South Carolina responded energetically to Kentucky’s errors. They scored three offensive touchdowns, gaining a strong lead over the Wildcats. A critical moment occurred when South Carolina recovered a fumbled snap from Boley, resulting in a 41-yard scoop and score touchdown. With Kentucky falling behind significantly, they opted for field goals in lieu of attempting to convert on fourth downs during critical situations, which reflected their struggle to regain control of the game.
South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers stood out with impressive performances that catalyzed the Gamecocks’ scoring drives. Despite Kentucky’s defensive efforts, including moments of pressure, they were unable to contain South Carolina’s attack effectively. There were also instances of on-field aggression, culminating in a crucial review that overturned a first down ruling for the Gamecocks, further illustrating the contentious nature of the matchup.
Following the loss, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in both performance and execution. With this defeat, the Wildcats continued their frustrating run in the SEC, now winless in conference play for the season, and deepening their struggles as they move forward.
Key Statistics
- Score: Kentucky 13, South Carolina 35
- Kentucky Record: 2-2 (0-2 SEC)
- South Carolina Record: 3-2 (1-2 SEC)
- Quarterback Performance: Cutter Boley – 4/11 for 80 yards, 2 INT
- Key Players: Seth McGowan (TD), LaNorris Sellers (offensive leader)
- Turnovers: 4 by Kentucky in the first half
Post-Match Analysis
The game encapsulated the ongoing struggle the Wildcats face in establishing offensive consistency, while also highlighting the Gamecocks’ skill in capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes. With the SEC path becoming increasingly challenging for Kentucky, they will need to regroup quickly to turn their season around in upcoming matchups.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. South Carolina game?
The final score was Kentucky 13, South Carolina 35.
What record does Kentucky have after this game?
After the game, Kentucky’s record is 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC.
Who was Kentucky’s starting quarterback in this game?
Cutter Boley was the starting quarterback for Kentucky, making his first career road start.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Kentucky Wildcats | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 13 | 35 |
| Record | 2-2 (0-2 SEC) | 3-2 (1-2 SEC) |
| Starting Quarterback | Cutter Boley | LaNorris Sellers (Key Scorer) |
| Offensive Touchdowns | 1 (Seth McGowan) | 3 |
| Turnovers | 4 (All in first half) | None |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- 247 Sports
- On3 Sports
- Greenville Online
- UK Athletics
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- Google Search: Kentucky vs South Carolina Football 2025
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Football 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks
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