Kenny McKinley: Kentucky Post Game

Wide reciever Kenny McKinley pulled the trigger on the winning play for USC Saturday night, throwing the ball to quarterback Syvelle Newton in a reversal of their usual roles. The play scored the winning touchdown for the Gamecocks. Hear McKinley describe the play firsthand:

Question: Can you talk about the trick play touchdown pass that you threw in the fourth quarter?

Answer: When I got it, I had considered about running it. I saw that Syvelle had a step on the defender, I said, man, we might as well go for it all. I just put it out there in front of Syvelle (Newton), and he made a great play.

Question: Were you surprised that Coach Spurrier called the play at that point in time?

Answer: No, not really. I know he always likes to go for the unpredictable play. I know they probably weren't expecting it, because they were expecting some kind of third down play, and Syvelle did a great job of getting open, made a great catch.

Question: Talk about stepping into what was perceived as the secondary role behind Sidney Rice, and after the past couple of game, you're becoming a big-time receiver in your own right now.

Answer: They were double teaming Sidney all night, and that opened up the rest of the receivers. Whenever the play call is for me, I am trying to go out and make the play for myself and the team.

Question: What do you describe your strengths as a player, what do you think you bring to the table out there?

Answer: Quickness and discipline. I'm not scared to go over the middle and make tough catches. Syvelle (Newton) knows he can put it around in the area, and I'm going to fight for it, and I'm going to get it. Sidney (Rice) brings a whole other thing. He can jump and out jump people. I'm just out there playing a role, playing off of Sidney.

Question: How's your injury coming along?

Answer: It's feeling pretty good right now. They gave me a little shot, and it'll probably start hurting in a couple of minutes now when the shot wears off. It started hurting a little bit in the second half. The bye week comes at a really good time for us. A lot of people are banged up, and this off week is a time to get healthy, coming into the SEC play.


South Carolina has a bye week next weekend, before they resume SEC conference play when they head to Nashville on another road game to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. Stay tuned to GamecockAnthem for all the latest news on Gamecock football.