Shane Beamer on the first half: 'We're getting our you-know-what kicked on the offensive line'

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer did not hold back on what needs to change in the second half against Kentucky. The Gamecocks entered halftime clinging to a 10-7 lead, and Beamer wants to see a better effort from his offense.

The defense has been active early to force two turnovers, including a strip fumble forced by Jalon Kilgore and an interception from Nick Emmanwori. However, they managed just 133 yards of total offense and punted on all but their first two drives of the game.

Speaking with Cole Cubelic of SEC Network at halftime, Beamer praised the defense while also sending a challenge to his offense to start the second half.

“Love the way they’re playing on defense right now,” he said. “Huge play by Nick Emmanwori on the interception. We gotta keep better leverage on the receiver, but heck of an effort by Kilgore. Our defense is playing their butts off right now.

“We’re getting our freaking you-know-whats kicked up front on the offensive line. We haven’t blocked 0 since we took the field tonight. So we better figure out a way to block zero and sustain some drives.”

By No. 0, Beamer was referring to Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker, who has been a force all evening thus far. Walker is second among all Wildcats players with five tackles, including two for loss and a sack. That led to South Carolina averaging just 2.1 yards per carry in the first half.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler put together a solid performance despite the pressure. He finished the first half 11-of-14 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown. However, the Gamecocks will need him and other to take another step forward if they hope to hang on and win this game.

South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams not ejected for targeting after hit on Kentucky QB Devin Leary

South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams delivered a brutal hit on Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary in Saturday’s contest between the Wildcats and Gamecocks. Williams collided with Leary as the UK quarterback attempted to slide, appearing to make contact with his helmet.

Leary’s head jerked back as he remained down on the field for a few moments following the hit. He had to be taken to the injury tent as officials reviewed the play for targeting. You can view the moment below.

Devin Leary set to check back in but this was brutal. pic.twitter.com/yVfFaTucno

— KSR (@KSRonX) November 19, 2023

Ultimately, referees came to the conclusion that the play did not fit the criteria for targeting as Williams was allowed the remain in the game. Thankfully, Leary was not seriously injured and returned to the game a few moments later.

The quarterback is so far 7-of-15 passing for 85 yards, one touchdown and one interception as Kentucky trails 10-7 with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Wildcats have lost four of their past five games and could use this one to get back on track ahead of a rivalry match with Louisville next week.