Florida vs. South Carolina Preview

The Florida Gators will look to bounce back in a big way when they return to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this weekend to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Florida enters the matchup at 4-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play after suffering a shocking 45-17 loss to Missouri last Saturday. The Gators had climbed into the national spotlight following an impressive 52-28 victory over then-No. 4 Ole Miss, but the loss in Columbia exposed some areas that Florida must correct quickly. Now, the Gators have an opportunity to respond. South Carolina comes to Gainesville at 2-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC after a heartbreaking 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky. Despite the Gamecocks’ record, this is a team Florida cannot afford to overlook, particularly because of its ability to run the football.

A Chance To Respond

For first-year head coach Jon Sumrall, Saturday’s game is an important test of his team’s response to adversity. Florida was beaten in virtually every phase against Missouri. The Gators’ offense struggled to establish the run, while the defense had major problems containing Missouri’s rushing attack. Sumrall has emphasized the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on the previous week’s result. The Gators now have a chance to show that the Missouri performance was an anomaly rather than a sign that their early-season momentum has disappeared.

South Carolina’s Rushing Attack

The biggest challenge for Florida’s defense could come on the ground. South Carolina is averaging 256 rushing yards per game, which ranks seventh nationally and first in the SEC. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been particularly dangerous as a runner, recording 391 rushing yards through five games. Running back Matt Fuller has also emerged as an important piece of the Gamecocks’ offense, totaling 433 rushing yards and five touchdowns. That presents a major challenge for a Florida defense that just allowed Missouri running back Jamal Roberts to rush for 211 yards and three touchdowns. The Gators will have to tackle better, maintain their gaps and prevent Sellers from turning broken plays into explosive runs.

Florida’s Offense Needs A Rebound

Florida’s offense was one of the biggest disappointments against Missouri. After rushing for at least 214 yards in each of its first four games, the Gators were held to just 42 rushing yards on 25 carries. Jadan Baugh, who had been one of Florida’s most productive offensive players, was limited to only 13 yards. A bounce-back performance from Baugh and the offensive line would go a long way toward getting Florida’s offense back on track. Quarterback Aaron Philo will also be looking to respond after his toughest outing of the season. Philo completed 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown against Missouri. South Carolina could provide an opportunity for him to regain his rhythm through the air. The Gamecocks have surrendered 895 passing yards and 12 touchdowns during their three-game losing streak.

Key Players To Watch

Aaron Philo, QB, Florida: Philo will need to protect the football and take advantage of opportunities against a South Carolina defense that has struggled recently.

Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida: After being held in check by Missouri, Baugh could be in line for a bounce-back performance.

Dallas Wilson, WR, Florida: Wilson has emerged as one of Florida’s leading receiving threats and could play a major role against South Carolina’s secondary.

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina: Sellers’ ability to make plays with his legs could be the biggest problem Florida faces.

Matt Fuller, RB, South Carolina: Fuller gives the Gamecocks another dangerous weapon in a rushing attack that Florida must slow down.

The Bottom Line

This is an important game for Florida. The Gators cannot erase what happened against Missouri, but they can control how they respond. A convincing performance against South Carolina would restore some of the momentum Florida built during its 4-0 start and prove that the Missouri loss was simply a bad night. The matchup also comes at an important point in the schedule. After South Carolina, Florida travels to Texas before facing Georgia in Atlanta, making Saturday’s game an opportunity the Gators cannot waste. Florida leads the all-time series against South Carolina 31-10-3 and has won four straight meetings in Gainesville. The Gators and Gamecocks will meet Saturday, Oct. 10, at 12:45 p.m. ET inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game will be televised on SEC Network. For Florida, the message is simple: respond, reset and get back to playing Gator football.