VAUGHT: Kentucky should be motivated for South Carolina

Keaton Upshaw had a touchdown catch against Florida for UK’s only touchdown. (SEC Photo)


By LARRY VAUGHT

What was the mood for Kentucky players and coaches after a 34-10 loss at Florida Saturday, especially considering UK had lost 63-3 a week earlier at Alabama?

“Just stay together as a team, just try to do what we can next week and keep this thing going,” linebacker Jamin Davis said when asked about the mood.

Kentucky only has one regular-season game left — a home game with South Carolina. The Cats will take a 3-6 record into the game, not exactly what coach Mark Stoops and his team expected when the season started even with a 10-game SEC schedule.

Tight end Keaton Upshaw, who had a touchdown catch at Florida, said not to worry about Kentucky’s motivation.

“Our last game, go out and send the seniors out the right way and prepare for a bowl game,” Upshaw said.

Bowl game? He’s right. Win or lose, Kentucky probably is going to be bowl bound. But after losing four of the last five games and having no real offense in any of the losses, just a win should be motivation enough.

Davis said finding motivation is no problem for him.

“Honestly just making sure we play hard. There’s no reason to bow your head, give up and throw the towel in. Nothing special about it. Just got to keep playing,” Davis said.