Mark Stoops stresses need to contain Spencer Rattler

The Kentucky defense is coming off an outing where they gave up a six-touchdown performance to the opposing quarterback. Now, with another skilled QB1 up next for them in Spencer Rattler, Mark Stoops knows they’ll have to be much better to ensure he doesn’t go off as well.

Stoops stressed the importance of pressuring Rattler during his press conference on Monday. After letting Jalen Milroe put up six scores, three apiece when passing and rushing, he noted that their similarities could mean bad things for the Wildcats if they don’t correct themselves and make the necessary adjustments.

“(Rattler) is similar in that he can buy time,” said Stoops. He’s also very good in the pocket.”

“He is similar in that way. Spencer has got a very good feel for moving around in the pocket,” Stoops said.

In order to pressure Rattler, Stoops placed responsibility on all levels of his defense. He noted how the pass rush and linebackers need to keep him contained but also that the secondary can’t give him any last second windows to throw at or run to if he does manage to get on the move.

“It was a problem this past week so we have to do a better job in both areas,” explained Stoops.

“Our rushes? We need to be better at rushing more disciplined, more relentless. Secondary guys getting to the quarterback. Not rushing past the quarterback, not letting them have that easy pocket to step up into,” Stoops said. “Then plastering and covering, being better down the field as well.”

In a 10-point win for South Carolina in Lexington last season, Rattler completed 73.7% of his passes for 177 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. In his second season with the Gamecocks, he is currently having one of his best collegiate campaigns with over 2,800 passing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 70.6% completion rate.

Since their defense has given up some really good games to quarterbacks this season, Rattler could end up licking his chops about facing UK. However, Stoops is doing all he can to get his unit ready to squeeze him in an important matchup for both teams in the SEC East.

Kentucky vs. South Carolina odds: Early point spread released on Wildcats, Gamecocks

Two teams coming off very different results will meet when South Carolina hosts Kentucky this weekend. The early point spread for the game has since come out.

Kentucky opened as a 3.5-point favorite over South Carolina according to early lines released by FanDuel.

The Wildcats will be looking to bounce back after being blown out by Alabama at home over the weekend. Kentucky surrendered an early 21-0 lead and was never able to work its way back into the contest. South Carolina, on the other hand, is coming off a big 47-6 win over Vanderbilt. That’s back-to-back wins for the Gamecocks, which had previously lost four straight through the month of October.

Kentucky and South Carolina are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday with a broadcast on the SEC Network.