11th-ranked Gamecocks end No. 8 Kentucky's perfect start, 38-23

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - 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 two touchdown returns and Steve Spurrier improved to 15-0 all-time against No. 8 Kentucky (5-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) in the 11th-ranked Gamecocks' 38-23 victory Thursday night.

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.

Even this summer, Spurrier rankled Kentucky fans with his words: "We thought we did something big beating Clemson, then Kentucky beat them also." The Wildcats defeated Clemson 28-20 in the Music City Bowl last December.

But once again, Spurrier got the last laugh - and the victory.

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

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM