No. 17 Kentucky tops South Carolina 24-10 to remain unbeaten

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- For one half, No. 17 Kentucky's offense showed the intensity that helped earn its first Top 25 in nearly 11 years. When things sputtered afterward against South Carolina, the Wildcats' defense rose to the challenge with clutch plays to ensure their new-found status ended on a high note. Their strong start was certainly critical, too. Benny Snell Jr . ran for 99 yards and one of Kentucky's three consecutive first-half touchdowns and the Wildcats held on for a 24-10 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night. Kentucky (5-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) quashed initial concerns about a letdown following their first ranking since November 2007 by scoring on four straight drives to lead 24-3 at halftime.