When USC has ball

The Gamecocks experienced an offensive awakening last week after totaling 400 yards for the first time this season. Quarterback Chris Smelley was a big part of that, throwing for career highs with 327 yards and three touchdowns. The receiving corps got a huge boost by the return of Kenny McKinley and the emergence of Jason Barnes.

Kentucky was gutted by the run last week against Alabama, despite holding the Crimson Tide to 10 offensive points. The Gamecocks, however, rank 10th in the SEC in rushing at 114.8 yards per game. The Wildcats’ defense is the team’s most solid unit led by DB Trevard Lindley, one of the best in both the league and nation.

Edge: Kentucky

When Kentucky has ball

Kentucky’s offense, which ranks eighth in the league in passing and ninth rushing, has looked a lot like the Gamecocks. First-year starting quarterback Mike Hartline is still learning to play the position while leading Kentucky to 174.8 yards per game. The Wildcats use a three-headed rushing attack with Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith and Tony Dixon, and receiver Dicky Lyons’ 6.2 receptions per game leads the league.

The Gamecocks slipped from first to sixth nationally in total defense, but the SEC’s best ‘D’ forced three turnovers and scored a touchdown last week.

Edge: USC

Special Teams

USC’s Ryan Succop is second all-time in career points scored and made field goals after kicking a 48-yard field goal and four extra points against Ole Miss.

Kentucky’s Tim Masthay is one of the SEC’s best kickoff specialists and punters, averaging 44.8 yards per punt. Kicker Lonas Sieber is 5-for-10 on field goals.

Edge: USC

Bottom line

USC coach Steve Spurrier is 15-0 all-time versus the Wildcats, and the Gamecocks have won eight consecutive games in the series, as well as seven of the last 10 in Lexington.

But, points will likely be at a premium with two of the nation’s best defenses going against a pair of fledgling offenses. The Gamecocks threw all over Ole Miss last week but running the ball has become a major problem, while the Wildcats are looking for revenge after USC embarrassed then-No. 8 Kentucky, 38-23, last year in Columbia.

Smelley will face a much stingier defense than last week and a secondary that can force interceptions. Turnovers could be the difference maker and being at home should help the Wildcats muster a bit more offense than last week.

Prediction: Kentucky 17, USC 13