South Carolina hands No. 8 Kentucky first loss

Posted October 04, 2007 11:00 pm

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Kentucky's perfect start was spoiled by the one ball coach who knows better than almost anyone how to humble the Wildcats.

South Carolina defensive end Eric Norwood tied an NCAA mark with 2 touchdown returns, and Steve Spurrier improved to 15-0 all-time against No. 8 Kentucky in the 11th-ranked Gamecocks' 38-23 victory Thursday night.

It was the poorest performance of the season for Kentucky (5-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference), which was held to half its SEC-leading average of 46.6 points a game.

This was supposed to be the Wildcats' chance to prove themselves worthy league contenders and finally give the sharp-tongued Spurrier some long overdue payback.

While at Florida, Spurrier beat Kentucky 73-7 in 1994, then 65-0 two years later.

Spurrier now he has the Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1) in the thick of the SEC Eastern Division race.

Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson finished 23 of 40 for 227 yards, but was sacked three times.

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