“Our offense did not play well enough to win tonight,” head coach Mark Stoops said after the game. “We couldn’t protect the quarterback, we couldn’t run the ball, and we couldn’t convert on third down. It was a disappointing performance all around.”
“Our defense played their hearts out tonight,” Stoops said. “They kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win. But ultimately, we didn’t do enough on offense to get it done.”
Levis, who had been one of the most efficient passers in the country through the first three games, had his worst outing of the season against South Carolina. He completed just 17-of-34 passes for 189 yards and two interceptions.
“I didn’t play well enough tonight,” Levis said. “I’m disappointed in my performance. I need to be better for this team.”
The loss is a major setback for Kentucky, who entered the season with hopes of competing for the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title. The Wildcats will now need to regroup and find a way to improve their offensive performance if they want to stay in the race.
The Gamecocks’ defense held Levis to 189 yards passing and forced 3 turnovers.Kentucky converted only 3-of-15 third downs and allowed 8 sacks.South Carolina’s offense averaged 5.4 yards per play and held the ball for 35 minutes.
Kentucky will have a bye next week before hosting the Northern Illinois Huskies on September 24th.
