Kentucky (2-3) last started SEC play with three losses in 2013. The Wildcats had averaged better than 200 yards rushing against South Carolina during the five game win streak. They managed just 115 yards on the ground in this one.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said quarterback Sawyer Smith was dealing with injuries and struggled to move the ball.
"We need to hit the reset button and get some guys healthy," he said. "And get some of these mistakes that we're making corrected."
The Wildcats broke up a shutout on Chris Rodriguez's 2-yard scoring run with 2:32 left in the game.
THE TAKEAWAY
Kentucky: The Wildcats defense struggled against a South Carolina offense that came in averaging only 93 yards rushing against its three previous Power Five opponents this season. Kentucky must correct that during the open week before playing three of their next four games at home.
QUARTERBACK ISSUES
South Carolina made it through with further injuries to its quarterback corps. The season's starter, Jake Bentley, is out for the year with a fractured foot while backup Dakereon Joyner had a strained hamstring. Bentley has a scooter device to keep his foot elevated while Joyner was on crutches. Freshman Ryan Hilinski, the SEC rookie of the week two weeks ago, had a steady performance in victory. He finished with 140 yards on 15-of-27 passing.
UP NEXT
Kentucky is off next week, then returns home to face Arkansas on Oct. 12.
