Here’s a quick breakdown of South Carolina’s 45-38 loss at Kentucky:

What it means: The Gamecocks’ SEC East hopes are over, South Carolina hasn’t learned how to finish in the fourth quarter and a possible midseason tailspin has begun. Steve Spurrier’s team has been outscored 42-14 in the fourth quarter of three losses (the most defeats since 2010) this season.

What I liked: South Carolina’s 19-play, 79-yard opening possession that spanned nearly eight minutes and was capped by Mike Davis’ 1-yard plunge on 4th-and-goal. Davis finished with 183 yards and three touchdowns but had limited touches down the stretch as Spurrier insisted on throwing the football (which led to two turnovers including a pair of interceptions in the final three minutes). Whether Spurrier likes it or not, South Carolina’s a run-first football team and when it deviates, bad things happen.

Key play: Bud Dupree’s pick-six with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter gave the Wildcats the lead and capped 21 unanswered points to end the game. It was Kentucky’s first interception return for a touchdown since Sam Maxwell vs. Tennessee on Nov. 28, 2008.

Where the Gamecocks go from here: We said last week it was time for South Carolina to re-evaluate this season’s goals. After a loss to Kentucky, six wins and another bowl berth is the immediate challenge. There’s inconsistency in several areas, notably at quarterback and on defense. The lack of defensive line pressure showed up again, but it doesn’t appear fixable without extensive depth.