Rodriguez scores 3 TDs, Kentucky routs South Carolina

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for three touchdowns, Terry Wilson and A.J. Rose each rushed for one, and Kentucky rolled South Carolina 41-18 Saturday night in the regular season finale for both schools.

Looking to halt a two-game slide and remain in consideration for the postseason, the Wildcats (4-6, 4-6 Southeastern Conference) scored on five of their first seven possessions to lead 27-3 at halftime. Their highest first-half output this season was aided by 10 points off two of their three takeaways, including two fumble recoveries by Jordan Wright.

Rodriguez returned from a two-game absence to rush for first-half TDs of 1 and 2 yards around Rose’s 8-yard score before sealing the rout with a 79-yard burst down the left side with 4:56 remaining. Wilson added a 1-yard TD run early in the third quarter as the Wildcats outgained the Gamecocks (2-8, 2-8) 492-404.

Wilson, the senior quarterback, finished 17 of 26 passing for 201 yards and rushed for 46 to break 1,000 career. Rodriguez had 139 yards on 14 carries and Rose 101 on 14 carries as Kentucky dealt South Carolina its sixth consecutive loss.

Kevin Harris rushed for 210 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries to become the 11th Gamecock with 1,000 in a season. Luke Doty's 30-yard TD pass to Dakereon Joyner and two-point conversion to Nick Muse with 5:12 left made it 34-18 before Rodriguez's big TD run.

THE TAKEAWAY

South Carolina: A costly holding penalty as they drove to the Kentucky 9 on the opening possession set the Gamecocks back before they missed the field goal. Turnovers followed along with their failure to slow the Wildcats, digging a deep hole they couldn't climb from and likely ended their season.

Kentucky: Needing a lift after consecutive thumpings by top-ranked Alabama and No. 6 Florida, the Wildcats quickly imposed their will on the Gamecocks. That built a big cushion and more importantly, they added to it for a change after struggling with complete games. Impressive considering they played without 17 players, including five starters.

UP NEXT

South Carolina: Season over.

Kentucky: Waits to see if the postseason is still a possibility when bowl berths are announced on Dec. 20.

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