USC Pick 3

Here are three key matchups for South Carolina entering this afternoon's game at Kentucky.

1. Chris Smelley of last week vs. Chris Smelley of rest of season

Smelley is at least looking at the corner. But you have to have more than one week of success to physically turn it. We're not discounting the Ole Miss effort. We're not saying he has to duplicate it, notching career highs. But he at least has to lead the offense to another victory while minimizing critical errors. Kentucky's secondary is better than most in the SEC, but it's not any better than Georgia's. And he faced better last season, as well. (LSU comes to mind.) Help from Kenny McKinley and Jason Barnes will be key. Is tight end Jared Cook and his sprained foot really all that healthy?

2. South Carolina run game vs. ticking clock

Sooner of later, it's going to come back to haunt the Gamecocks if they can't figure out a way to run the ball. Between the backs and the line, something has to change. There has just been a lack of general toughness from both the line and backs. Mike Davis had some OK moments at Ole Miss, especially in the second half, but the yards will be tougher to come by against Kentucky. If, somehow, USC can pick up some rushing yards it could spring the offense for bigger games by virtue of balance.

3. Kentucky vs. history Brooks, er, books

People in both Lexington and Columbia are mystified that South Carolina has won eight consecutive games against Kentucky. It's not as if the Gamecocks own win streaks against many teams, and it's not like you'd say Kentucky is far, far behind what South Carolina has done historically. But, at a certain point, maybe a losing streak gets into the players' heads. Additionally, Spurrier has won all 15 of his meetings, going back to his Florida days. That's the third-longest current streak for a coach against one team, and the other two are owned by Joe Paterno (Temple, Maryland).

Something's got to give? Or the beat goes on?

Outlook

We still think Kentucky is smoke-and-mirrors. Yes, the Wildcats looked pretty OK hanging around with Alabama. But the Tide was due a letdown after the big Georgia win. And, bottom line, that was still a UK loss. If it pulled the upset, might be talking differently. Remember that Kentucky has been close, on several occasions, to beating USC. But it hasn't happened. Whether it's Mike Rathe, Syvelle Newton or Eric Norwood, someone's always come up big. No reason to believe it won't happen again. Last year's Kentucky team was the best chance to stop the skid. It'll still be close, but UK will lose again.

SOUTH CAROLINA 21, KENTUCKY 13

-- Travis Haney