Here are some quick thoughts on Kentucky’s 26-22 win over South Carolina in the SEC East opener for both teams.

What it means: For the second week in a row, Kentucky built a 24-7 halftime lead before sweating out a win in the closing minutes. It may have been a bit more dramatic than necessary, but the Wildcats are 2-0. The Gamecocks, however, are left to ponder what might have been. A poor first half left them too far behind.

What I liked: South Carolina played a wonderful second half of defensive football. It was well into the fourth quarter before Kentucky managed a first down. If the Gamecocks offense would have been a bit more efficient in the red zone, it would have been enough to get them a win.

What I didn’t like: Kentucky was its own worst enemy early in this game. Patrick Towles threw an errant pass out of his own end zone that Skai Moore picked off, which set up South Carolina’s opening touchdown. Later in the first quarter, Josh Forrest hit Connor Mitch late, which negated an interception that would have given the Wildcats the ball inside the Gamecock 20. Kentucky dominated the first half, but it could have had much more than a 24-7 lead.

Who’s the man: Denzil Ware was in the right place at the right time on Pharoh Cooper’s two-point conversion try. Cooper was stopped short of the goal line, and fumbled the ball at Ware’s feet. Ware scooped it up and ran it back for two points, giving Kentucky a 26-22 lead with just more than eight minutes left in the game. More than that, it helped stem the momentum the home team had built since the half.

Key play: Late in the second quarter, Mitch tried an option pitch to David Williams that went awry, and when the redshirt freshman tried to dive on the loose ball, he injured his right shoulder. It ended up being a sprain, and he did not return. Perry Orth was pretty good — until he made an ill-advised throw into coverage on South Carolina’s final drive that resulted in freshman corner Chris Westry’s interception that ultimately sealed the deal.

What’s next: South Carolina (1-1, 0-1 SEC) visits Georgia (2-0, 1-0) while Kentucky (2-0, 1-0) entertains Florida (2-0, 0-0).