The “Across the (By)Line” series will give Kentucky football fans an in-depth look at their opponent for this week — from the mind of the opposing school’s sports editor.
This week: The Daily Gamecock, Mingo Martin, South Carolina
How worrying was the showing against Old Dominion in week one? Do you think it was growing pains or genuine reason for concern?
“I’d say it’s a bit of both. I mean, it’s the growing pains of having a freshman starting quarterback, which obviously you’re going to deal with issues there, and it’s just a byproduct.
“It’s also a cause for concern because the team, in my opinion, kind of looks similar to how it did heading into the last game of last season against Clemson. The defensive line looks better, but the secondary looks the same. The wide receivers are still struggling to create separation and I’d say it’s concerning.
“Among the fanbase, I don’t think a lot of the fanbase expects to win this week but they just want a good showing, otherwise (Shane) Beamer’s seat is definitely hot.”
With Spencer Rattler gone, what have you seen out of LaNorris Sellers and what do you still need to see?
“I’ve seen an amazing running quarterback. I think he’ll develop into something great, he just needs to calm and gather himself, get his nerves right. I think he was making some good reads last week, he just couldn’t get the ball there to the receivers.
“There wasn’t much synchronization between the quarterback and the receiver, but I see a lot of potential there with him at quarterback if he decides to stick around for all four years.”
South Carolina has beaten Kentucky two years in a row. Do you have any worries of complacency?
“I wouldn’t think there’d be any complacency just because of how negative last Saturday was viewed. I feel like they have to (be like), ‘Okay, we can’t just go through these games lackadaisical and go through early season motions, we have to get things going now.’
“Especially being under the microscope when you struggle in week one against a weaker opponent, I don’t think they’ll be complacent at all.”
When the dust settles, what do you think the final result will be? Do you have a score prediction?
“I don’t hold out much hope for my Gamecocks, but I think South Carolina wins 24-14. I think that’s the only situation (UofSC wins), if South Carolina can keep it low scoring, because I don’t think they can win an offensive shootout right now. But if they can keep it low scoring, I think 24-14 could be a win for the Gamecocks.”
