Quarterbacks

Neither South Carolina nor UK are winning games behind the play of their quarterbacks. In a battle of good, but not great, quarterbacks, UK sophomore Mike Hartline wins out for one reason — he doesn’t turn the ball over as much as Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley. Hartline fumbles, but he doesn’t throw picks. The key is picking the poison that doesn’t kill.

Adv: UK

Running Backs

UK has the potential to have a dangerous rushing attack, but it has been inconsistent so far this year. South Carolina has also struggled, averaging just over 110 yards per game and getting in the end zone four times. In a toss-up, potential wins out over ineptitude.

Adv: UK

Wide Receivers

Jared Cook and Moe Brown average just less than 16 yards per catch for South Carolina. UK’s wide receivers seem to average 16 drops a game.

Adv: South Carolina

Offensive Line

UK has struggled on the offensive line, mainly because of injuries that have tested its depth. The Cats have trouble running and Hartline and sophomore running back Derrick Locke all but threw the offensive line under the bus after the Alabama game. On the other hand, South Carolina has given up 20 sacks so far this season for a total of 112 yards. UK wins another toss-up.

Adv: UK

Defensive Line

UK will have a field day on Saturday for one reason — South Carolina can’t protect its quarterback. Even against Alabama’s strong offensive line, UK pressured and sacked the quarterback. Things could get ugly quickly for South Carolina and Smelley. On the other side, South Carolina has the second best total defense in the Southeastern Conference.

Adv: UK

Linebackers

With UK junior Micah Johnson returning, South Carolina is no longer promised to have a huge advantage at linebacker. With senior Johnny Williams, senior Braxton Kelley and Johnson, UK has one of the best units in the SEC. Jasper Brinkley and Co. aren’t slouches either. With Johnson having been sidelined for two weeks, rust could be an issue.

Adv: South Carolina

Secondary

UK has a good secondary, but South Carolina has the top-ranked pass defense in the SEC. Captain Munnerlyn is a strong coverage corner and Emanuel Cook is an absolute headhunter. Hartline has his work cut out for him, as does Smelley. But top ranked means you’re the best.

Adv: South Carolina

Special Teams

It’s hard to give this category to UK. Especially since week after week, a special teams blunder is made. Against Alabama, it was Lones Seiber’s onside kick attempt that drew the ire of UK head coach Rich Brooks. Before then, it was inconsistent punting and missed field goals.

Adv: South Carolina

Overall

Picking a certain winner in this game isn’t cut and dried. Both defenses are solid and both offenses are struggling for a variety of reasons. UK is 0-14 against South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, but after breaking many streaks and records in the past two years, how much does Spurrier’s streak matter? Turnovers will matter in this game and UK may just come up with one more takeaway than the Gamecocks.

Adv: UK