LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky is feeling good about itself heading into its matchup with South Carolina after the Wildcats stumbled out of the gate to start the season.The Wildcats (1-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) enter Saturday nights game against the Gamecocks (2-1, 1-1) having won the past two in the series. A third win puts Kentucky at .500 overall and in the conference, scenarios that seemed farfetched after their second-half collapse against Southern Mississippi and 45-7 pummeling at Florida on Sept. 10.But Kentucky is looking to build off a victory that wasnt pretty but offered encouragement.We have shown that we can play some good football, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said this week. I believe in these players and I hope the fans do as well. Its a long season and we will get better in certain areas, there is no doubt about that.Kentuckys offensive prospects appear brighter after breaking a 35-all halftime tie to pull away for a wild 62-42 win over New Mexico State last week. The Wildcats gained 692 yards in that game, and the backup quarterback who led the way is now in charge for the foreseeable future.Junior Stephen Johnson will make his first start for the Wildcats after replacing Drew Barker, whos out indefinitely with a back injury sustained on last weeks first drive. The transfer shook off a rough beginning to complete 17 of 22 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns to help Kentucky avoid an 0-3 start. And hes eager to show the effort was just the beginning.It went pretty well, I guess, Johnson said of his relief performance, which included 51 yards rushing. Were just going to try and do what we can on offense in moving the ball and game plan as well as we can.South Carolina enters with a young QB also coming off a strong performance.Freshman Brandon McIlwain threw for 195 yards and rushed for two touchdowns in his first start as the Gamecocks topped East Carolina 20-15 . First-year coach Will Muschamp praised McIlwains maturity during his steady rise into becoming the starter, poise that has positioned South Carolina to match last years victory total.How you carry yourself tells a lot about who you are, the coach said. You build confidence, and hes done nothing but build it since hes been here.---Some other things to watch on Saturday night when Kentucky hosts South Carolina:GET IT TOGETHER: Stoops blasted his defense after Wednesdays practice and even used crap to describe the days uneven performance typifying their season. Kentuckys NCAA rankings have given him reason to be frustrated: the Wildcats are 122nd of 128 FBS schools in total defense (528.0 yards) and scoring defense (43.7 points). One upside is theyre tied for fifth nationally with six interceptions.RED-ZONE STINGINESS: The Gamecocks lead the SEC and rank seventh nationally in red zone defense with just five TDs and four field goals allowed on 16 opportunities. South Carolina denied East Carolina on four of six scoring opportunities inside the 20 last week and forced three turnovers inside the 5.BEVY OF BACKS: Kentuckys backfield depth showed against New Mexico State as Stanley Boom Williams rushed for 181 yards on 18 carries while freshman Benny Snell chipped in 136 yards and four TDs on 17 attempts. The Wildcats 381 ground yards were the most since November against Charlotte, when Williams and Jojo Kemp each rushed for at least 140 to lead a 415-yard effort.ROAD TESTED: South Carolina will play its third game in four weeks before returning to Columbia for five home contests in six weeks. The Gamecocks have lost two of their last three visits to Lexington but Muschamp downplayed those recent struggles and added, its what you make of it. Go play well and coach well.---AP College Football: www.collegefootball.ap.org---Follow Gary B. Graves on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GaryBGravesCheap Nike Baseball Jerseys . After a replay, the winner will meet Sunderland in the quarterfinals. Sagbo did well to control Sone Alukos right cross and fire past Brighton goalkeeper Peter Brezovan. Aluko was making his first start in four months after recovering from an Achilles injury. Wholesale Baseball Jerseys Free Shipping .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. http://www.chinajerseysmlb.com/ .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. Wholesale MLB Jerseys . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1. MLB Jerseys For Sale . Schenn scored the game-winning goal and added two assists to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday. DAVIS, Calif. -- Alex Kuresa threw for 384 yards and a touchdown and Portland State snapped a three-game losing skid with a 51-29 win over UC Davis on Saturday night.The Vikings gained 602 yards of total offense and 51 points for their highest output of the season.Austin Holman, Josh Kraght, and Maximo Espitia each had over 100-yards receiving for Portland State (3-6, 2-4 Big Sky), with Holman leading the way with 108. Paris Penn and Nate Tago each added a pair of rushing scores and combined for 103 yards on 29 carries.ddddddddddddThe Vikings scored four times in the second quarter to open a 30-16 halftime lead and cruised from there. Penn found the end zone on consecutive drives and Jonathan Gonzales added field goals of 37 and 34 yards late in the period.Jared Harrell had two touchdown catches and Keelan Doss had 91 yards receiving and a TD for UC Davis (2-7, 1-5). ' ' '