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Anticipating Cutter Boley’s Challenge Ahead In South Carolina
Kentucky Wildcats head football coach Mark Stoops at right as quarterback Cutter Boley (8) heads to the field at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Saturday night in Columbia, South Carolina, the Kentucky Wildcats will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in a crucial game, with Cutter Boley starting as quarterback.

South Carolina Struggles

The Gamecocks and the Wildcats are set to clash in a pivotal matchup under the bright lights of Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday evening.

For both teams, this isn’t just another game; it’s a high-stakes battle with everything on the line— with bowl chances hanging in the balance.

South Carolina is facing challenges after suffering two SEC losses to the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Missouri Tigers, and the Gamecocks’ defense has been underwhelming.

South Carolina’s running game has also been virtually nonexistent, with just 321 rushing yards through four games this season. For Kentucky, the strategy is clear: dominate the run game, control the clock, and ensure a strong time of possession to secure victory.

Limiting big plays is essential for the Wildcats, and it’s a challenge they are ready to tackle.

Kentucky has struggled with big plays in previous matchups against the Ole Miss Rebels and Eastern Michigan Eagles. By effectively containing Lanorris Sellers and the Gamecocks’ offense, though, the Wildcats will set themselves up for a strong chance to claim victory.

Cutter Boley Time To Shine

Kentucky Wildcats name Cutter Boley starting QB vs South Carolina

The first significant test of the season for Cutter Boley and the Kentucky offense will take place on Saturday night. How well they handle the pressure will determine the outcome of his first SEC start on the road.

The forecast calls for heavy rain, which could significantly impact the game. This weather is likely to favor the Wildcats’ rushing attack, as South Carolina has struggled to run the ball effectively all season.

Boley threw for 240 yards and had two touchdown passes in the win over Eastern Michigan.

Let’s be realistic, though; this isn’t the MAC; it’s the SEC, and things are only going to get tougher as the season progresses. Getting a win against a struggling Gamecocks team would be huge, especially with the Georgia Bulldogs coming up on the road next week.

Bye Week Blues

The biggest problem Kentucky has had in the past is coming off bye weeks under Mark Stoops, it’s been a theme for quite a while.

Stoops has a record of 6-10 after a bye, including last year’s loss to Vanderbilt. Many Wildcat fans, both near and far, are hoping for a better result this week.

They are eager to see improvements in both the defense and offense, and they are particularly hopeful to witness a rejuvenated team when they face the Gamecocks.

With Georgia on deck next Saturday, a win here would do wonders for their bowl chances and give them some momentum heading into Athens.

End Of My Kentucky Wildcats Cutter Boley Football Rant

Now is the time for Boley to step up and become the future of Kentucky football. He has the chance to demonstrate why he was a highly ranked quarterback coming out of high school.

There is no bigger opportunity than playing on the road in a hostile environment, especially on national television with fans watching.

Winning this game could generate excitement about the possibility of a bowl season. A loss would make the remainder of the season look challenging, given the difficult schedule ahead.

A victory could change the course of the season.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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