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USC vs. Kentucky: Quarter by quarter
Posted on 10.11.08
CommentsFirst quarter
South Carolina 7, Kentucky 7
KEY MOMENT: Captain Munnerlyn’s 84-yard kickoff return is a quick response after Kentucky intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown. Munnerlyn is tackled at the Kentucky 16, and on the next play Chris Smelley hits Kenny McKinley for a touchdown on the next play.
THE MAN: Kentucky cornerback Trevard Lindley makes a great play in grabbing the ball from McKinley at the 28 and runs in for a touchdown. It was the eighth interception of the junior’s career, and six of those had come in Kentucky victories.
TIME OF POSSESSION: Kentucky 8:36, USC 6:24.
Second quarter
Kentucky 17, South Carolina 14
KEY MOMENT: South Carolina has a 14-7 lead and was approaching midfield as McKinley hauled in a catch that breaks Sterling Sharpe’s program record for career receptions. But McKinley fumbles after the catch, and which Kentucky recovered and drives for a touchdown.
THE MAN: USC’s Jordin Lindsey blocks a field goal attempt which Munnerlyn picks up and returns 81 yards for a touchdown.
TIME OF POSSESSION: Kentucky 10:09, USC 4:51.
Third quarter
Kentucky 17, South Carolina 14
KEY MOMENT: On USC’s third drive of the half, Stephen Garcia enters at quarterback, eliciting a cheer from the Gamecock fans in their corner of the stadium. His entry energizes an offense that had lagged most of the game.
THE MAN: Garcia completes his first three passes, and his first three runs, not counting a sack, produce 33 yards. His first drive gets USC to the Kentucky 25, resulting in a missed field goal.
TIME OF POSSESSION: Kentucky 7:25, USC 7:35.
Fourth quarter
South Carolina 24, Kentucky 17
KEY MOMENT: Facing second-and-12 from the Kentucky 45 and the game tied at 17, Garcia hits Jason Barnes on a 38-yard fade route down the right sideline. On the next play, Garcia hits Weslye Saunders for the game-winning touchdown.
THE MAN: Garcia has 132 passing yards in the final quarter, hitting a number of third-down passes. All of his completed passes are to players who had not caught anything until that point: Jason Barnes (4), Weslye Saunders (2) and Joe Hills (1).
TIME OF POSSESSION: USC 10:42, Kentucky 4:18.
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