#Gamecocks dominate second half in 24-14 win at Kentucky (AUDIO/VIDEO)

**DT Tonka Hemingway nearly scored on fumble recovery on game’s first play (Ryan Bethea)**

LEXINGTON, KY: USC scored within the first minute of Saturday night’s 24-14 win at 13th ranked Kentucky, thanks to David Spaulding causing a fumble on Kentucky’s first play that Tonka Hemingway scooped up and returned to the two, but it’s what the Gamecocks did over the game’s final 30 minutes that really made the difference. USC owned most of the second half and that allowed them to score their first SEC road win under Shane Beamer, beat an AP top 25 team for the first time since 2019 and win in Lexington for the first time since 2012.

The Gamecocks broke a 7-7 halftime tie with their first possession of the second half. It was a six play, 75-yard drive capped by a 42 yard catch and run by Juice Wells. They added a 32-yard Mitch Jeter field goal in the quarter for a 17-7 lead going to the fourth. In those 15 minutes, the Gamecocks outgained the Wildcats 145-34.

USC put the game away midway through the fourth quarter. Marshawn Lloyd broke off a 45-yard run to the UK 27, and receiver Jalen Brooks scored two plays later on a 24-yard end around. Kentucky scored a late touchdown against soft defensive pressure for the 24-14 final.

Spencer Rattler shook off some first half mistakes and played very well in the second half. He completed his final seven passes and finished 14-19 for 177 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Lloyd also went over the hundred-yard mark for the second time this season with 110 yards and a touchdown.

The Gamecocks go into their off week on a three-game winning streak. They are 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC. They now have two weeks to get ready for Texas A&M and the chance to check off another box. They’ve never beaten the Aggies.