Pair of Gamecocks earn SEC Player of the Week recognition after beating Kentucky
Plenty of good came from South Carolina’s 31-6 win over Kentucky on Saturday. It marked the Gamecocks’ first 2-0 start since 2021 and also resulted in ESPN’s “College GameDay” announcing it will be coming to Columbia this weekend.
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On top of all that, some of the players that were crucial in the win are receiving recognition for their efforts. On Monday, junior safety Nick Emmanwori was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and fifth-year punter Kai Kroeger was selected as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced.
Emmanwori, a three-year starter on Clayton White’s defense, led the way with seven tackles, three of which were solo. His big play of the game came in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter when he intercepted a pass from Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff and took it to the house for a 24-yard touchdown. This was Emmanwori’s third interception of his college career but the first he was able to score on.
As for Kroeger, he looked like his vintage self punting against the Wildcats on Saturday. He punted five times and averaged 51.6 yards per attempt. Four of his five punts traveled more than 50 yards, with a season-best 58-yarder in the third quarter. This is now the fifth time he has been recognized as an SEC Player of the Week during his career.
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This is the second week in a row that multiple Gamecocks have earned an SEC Player of the Week. EDGE rushers Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart split SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after their dominant performances against Old Dominion on Aug. 31.
South Carolina now prepares to take on No. 16 LSU on Saturday. “College GameDay” will broadcast live from Gamecock Park beginning at 9 a.m. Shortly after the three-hour show concludes, the Gamecocks and Tigers will kick off at noon on ABC.
