So far, things aren’t going so well for Kentucky against South Carolina. Not only did the Cats allow the Gamecocks to score with a completely open 24-yard touchdown pass to Mazeo Bennett Jr., but one of the Big Blue Wall’s key players had to leave the field due to injury.

Offensive tackling Gerald Mincey went down with a lower leg injury on Kentucky’s third drive. He left the game and has not returned. The transfer from Tennessee is playing his second game with the Wildcats after two seasons in Knoxville and two in Florida. South Carolina’s defensive line is already troubling Kentucky and putting Brock Vandagriff under pressure; the absence of Mincey doesn’t make things any better. So far, Anfernee Crease has struggled in his place. Dick Gabriel of the UK Sports Network reports that Mincey’s left knee is taped and his brace is back on.

The Gamecocks are also struggling with an injury. After an impressive start LaNorris Seller left the game with a lower-body injury. Veteran backup Robby Ashford is now in at quarterback. ABC cameras showed Norris walking to the locker room with what appeared to be a slight limp. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said Norris hopes to return and is being evaluated.

South Carolina leads Kentucky 7-0 after the first quarter. The Cats have only 30 yards of offense compared to the Gamecocks’ 87 yards.

HALF-TIME UPDATE: Mincey returned to the game during the final drive before halftime. Also notable: Starting DL Keeshawn Silver was seen going into the locker room shortly before half-time.

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