Lexington, Kentucky, September 29, 2025
News Summary
After a disheartening loss to South Carolina, Kentucky’s running back Seth McGowan apologized for accidentally hitting a fan with a football during his touchdown celebration. The game ended with a score of 35-13, marking Kentucky’s second consecutive defeat in SEC play. Despite McGowan’s personal performance of 112 rushing yards, the Wildcats struggled overall, with South Carolina capitalizing on two key turnovers. Looking ahead, Kentucky faces a challenging game against Georgia.
Lexington, Kentucky – Seth McGowan Issues Apology Following Incident During Loss to South Carolina
In a disappointing 35-13 defeat against South Carolina, Kentucky running back Seth McGowan scored the only touchdown for his team, a 20-yard rushing score with 11:27 left in the first quarter. However, the celebration took an unexpected turn when McGowan threw the football into the stands, inadvertently hitting a South Carolina fan, later identified as the grandfather of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Fortunately, Sellers confirmed that his grandfather was not injured by the errant throw. Following the game, McGowan publicly apologized on social media, calling his actions “absolutely unacceptable.” He expressed a desire to personally reach out to the fan to apologize and make amends.
Game Highlights and Performance
Despite McGowan’s impressive individual performance, where he rushed for 112 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, the Wildcats were unable to maintain momentum after their strong opening drive. After scoring their only touchdown, Kentucky was outscored 35-6 for the remainder of the game.
The Gamecocks capitalized on two key turnovers by Kentucky, turning those mistakes into defensive touchdowns during the second quarter. South Carolina managed to score 21 points off Kentucky’s turnovers, which was crucial to their victory. The Wildcats struggled offensively in the second half of the game, managing only 36 yards on 18 plays.
Impact on Season Records
This loss marked Kentucky’s second consecutive defeat in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, bringing their season record to 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC. Conversely, South Carolina improved their record to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the conference.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will face a challenging game against Georgia, who recently suffered their first loss of the season to Alabama. McGowan, through his four games this season, has rushed for a total of 387 yards and seven touchdowns.
Context on Game Dynamics
The loss is a setback for the Wildcats, as they were unable to build on their early success. After McGowan’s touchdown, Kentucky’s offensive efforts dwindled, which allowed South Carolina to dominate the game, showcasing their ability to capitalize on the Wildcats’ mistakes.
McGowan’s incident with the fan has added an unexpected personal element to the game, as the intersection of on-field performance and off-field consequences continues to resonate among players and fans alike.
Summary of Key Game Details
- Final Score: South Carolina 35, Kentucky 13
- Kentucky’s Rushing Stats: Seth McGowan – 112 yards, 1 touchdown
- Turnovers to Points: 21 points scored by South Carolina from Kentucky turnovers
- Kentucky’s Season Record: 2-2 (0-2 SEC)
- Next Game for Kentucky: vs. Georgia
FAQ
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. South Carolina game?
The final score was South Carolina 35, Kentucky 13.
Who was involved in the incident with the football?
Seth McGowan accidentally hit a South Carolina fan, who is the grandfather of quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
What is Kentucky’s record after this game?
Kentucky’s season record is now 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 35-13 in favor of South Carolina |
| Kentucky’s Key Player | Seth McGowan – 112 rushing yards, 1 touchdown |
| Turnovers | Kentucky had two turnovers leading to 21 points for South Carolina |
| Upcoming Game | Kentucky vs. Georgia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kentucky Wildcats Suffer Humiliating Loss to South Carolina
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University of Kentucky Player Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges
University of Kentucky Football Player Arrested for Sexual Abuse
Additional Resources
- On3: Seth McGowan Apologizes Following Incident
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats
- New York Post: Kentucky Running Back Hits Fan
- Google Search: Seth McGowan Kentucky South Carolina touchdown
- Kentucky.com: Game Recap – Kentucky vs South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Gamecocks Online: South Carolina Football Win

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