Kentucky is gearing up for another tough road game this week as they face South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. It’s no secret that playing in front of a hostile crowd can be challenging, but the Wildcats have shown in their previous road victories that they have what it takes to overcome the noise and come out on top.
Running back Ray Davis understands the importance of taking the crowd out of the game early. He recognizes that the fans will be loud and supportive of their home team, but that won’t faze the Cats. Davis emphasizes the need for the team to stay composed and focused on their own performance on the field.
“We can’t control the atmosphere,” Davis said. “We can only control what we do on the field.”
Kentucky’s ability to disrupt their opponents on the road is something they take pride in. Davis points out that one of the joys of playing away games is being able to ruin someone’s Saturday. The Wildcats aim to leave the home fans disappointed as they drive home, especially when they can take the crowd out of the game early, making it feel like a home game for Kentucky.
The mindset for Davis and his teammates is simple: it’s Kentucky versus the world. They approach every game with the mentality that anyone standing in their way is an opponent that needs to be defeated. This competitive mindset fuels their drive to succeed and build a strong program.
Davis, who faced South Carolina last season when he was with Vanderbilt, knows firsthand how tough their defense can be. He specifically highlights the talent and speed of the Gamecocks’ linebackers, making it crucial for the Wildcats to identify their weaknesses and exploit them.
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen acknowledges that South Carolina’s defense had some changes in their approach last week against Vanderbilt. While they flew around the field and had success rushing the passer, Coen believes the focus should be on Kentucky executing their game plan effectively.
Despite the challenges, Kentucky is approaching this game with the same attitude that has already brought them success this season. They are prepared to compete on a big stage and hope to add another victory to their growing road record.
