Mark Stoops and Kentucky are trying to recover from a sub-par effort last week against Chattanooga when the Wildcats travel to South Carolina this week.

In that game, UK was without starting “jack” linebacker Jordan Wright, who was out with an undisclosed injury suffered the week before against Missouri. At his Monday press conference, Stoops said Wright would return this week.

Last week, Wright was considered “day to day” and he has been a key player for the UK defense, with 9 tackles, including two tackles for a loss, and has one of UK’s 7 sacks on the season.

Entering this season, Wright had played in 33 career games, with 5 career starts. He had totaled 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception.

This is a key game for Kentucky to try and keep itself on the perch to knocking off the likes of Georgia and Florida down the road.