South Carolina Football: Over/Under Against Kentucky

This season is not all lost with an ample of time left for South Carolina to shine in. The SEC East is literally up for grabs, and the huge victory over Georgia on the road is a season-saver at the moment. 

Despite the grueling offense not showing up against Auburn, at least this team has been able to stay healthy (which might be a reason for more disappointment).

The Florida Gators just lost John Brantley possibly for a few weeks. It should be noted that South Carolina does not have LSU or Alabama on their schedule.

With Spurrier naming Connor Shaw as his new quarterback, many are wondering what kind of performance they will display against Kentucky at home.

Let's play a little game I like to call "Over/Under" on many stats, fun facts, opinions and predictions on this Saturday's game. 

225 Total Yards for Connor Shaw: Over or Under?

In his second start of the season, what are the chances Shaw can go bonker, and light up the scoreboard against a Kentucky defense that is allowing just 362 yards per game? They rank 53rd in total defense and 100th against the run (198 YPG).

However, the pass defense has been their calling card, allowing only 163 yards per game. They have not been tested by many teams as most attempt to run it against them (see Florida).

Shaw has amassed just over 400 yards in his career, and there is hope he can lead this team to get back on track. 

Drama's Call: Over

125 Rushing Yards for Marcus Lattimore: Over or Under?

Lattimore dropped off the planet in the Heisman ranking as most had him in their top three, but he has now dropped outside of their top five. I had him No. 1 last week with everything he did and meant for this Gamecock offense.

However, rushing for only 66 yards on 17 carries was not a sensational performance. Nearly all of the blame could be placed on the entire team, but Lattimore needs to revert to his old ways that we have seen all season. 

This Gamecock rushing attack is carried on its back by Marcus, ranking 32nd in the nation (197 YPG). Kentucky has a few solid linebackers in Danny Trevathan (59 total) and Winston Guy (53).

As long as SC can avoid 3rd-and-long, they will be just fine against an inept Kentucky offense (118th).

Drama's Call: Over

3.5 Sacks for Defense: Over or Under?

Melvin Ingram is fifth in the nation with sacks per game (1.1) as his 5.5 total sacks leads the SEC. He is arguably the best athlete on the team let alone the defense, and with Devin Taylor and Jadevon Clowney wreaking havoc up front, the Kentucky offense should be abysmal.

However, Ingram is listed as "doubtful" for the game with a foot problem that he hurt during the game against Auburn. The depth will surely play a factor if he is unable to go.

Fortunately for SC, Morgan Newton at quarterback has thrown for just 647 yards with six TDs and six INTs. To make matters even worse, the Wildcats have allowed the second to most sacks in the country (21 total or 4.2 per).

If South Carolina were to bounce back, this is an over/under that they surely need to win. Even without Ingram I look for constant harassment throughout this game. 

Drama's Call: Over

Plus 1.5 at Turnover Battle: Over or Under?

Kentucky has lost the bacon 11 times this season ranking 104th in the country, however South Carolina on the other hand ranks 115th as they have turned it over 15 times!

These two teams just cannot hold onto the ball, and there is reason why neither team is undefeated. Stephen Garcia is out, and Connor Shaw is in which should limit the turnovers.

In the turnover margin, the Gamecocks are 50th in the nation with a plus .20 advantage. Kentucky meanwhile is 83rd with a negative .40 turnovers per game.

South Carolina seriously needs to start playing ball and executing the fundamentals would be a start. Right out of the gates in the opener, their fumble issues began, and it is imperative that the Gamecocks take care of the ball before they are officially eliminated in the SEC East.

Drama's Call: Over (plus-two or More)

Margin of Victory at 20.5: Over or Under?

South Carolina comes into this game as three-touchdown favorites, and if they can't bounce back now, they never will. Stephen Garcia's replacement Connor Shaw has the starting job for his to keep if he can take care of the ball. 

Getting Lattimore and Jeffery going early and often will be important. Having these two All-Americans underperform is flat out tough to watch. The defense as a whole has been terrific (24th in total defense) as it is just up to the offense to put 20-plus points on the scoreboard every game.

Being favored by that many could make this game a struggle early on, but I look at Kentucky's last two games where they have been flat out dominated. UK has no running game (96th) and their passing game is actually worse (113th).

There is no reason why this Gamecocks cannot romp Kentucky in a payback game; this is where they were upset, by this squad, one season ago, 31-28.

Drama's Call: Over

Drama's Pick: SOUTH CAROLINA 35, KENTUCKY 13