South Carolina lost to the Gators badly in 2022. It was a low point of the season that ultimately catapulted the team into a successful and momentous stretch in the final three games and into 2023. Shane Beamer and his players gave no attention to the 38-6 beatdown in their media availability on Tuesday. Coming out of the bye week, the focus for the Gamecocks is the Gamecocks. Redshirt junior linebacker Debo Williams echoed the phrase “nameless, faceless” opponents that players have used all year. Of course, coaches and players have to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Gators, but the mindset is to be the best version of South Carolina possible. That is how the Gamecocks can win against Florida.
Get Healthy Up Front
Carolina has suffered a barrage of injuries over the course of the season. With five or more offensive linemen injured at various times throughout the year, multiple skill players missing time, and defensive stars going down in key moments, the bye week was an opportunity to rest and heal. Beamer gave injury updates on Tuesday that should be encouraging on the South Carolina front. Veteran offensive lineman Jakai Moore is back from injury and has been a full participant in practice after missing the trip to Tennessee a couple of weeks ago. This allows for some more flexibility along the offensive line. Beamer noted that the staff wants to end the shuffling and stick with the best five up front moving forward. This allows those guys to build more chemistry and work in concert.
Defensively, the team’s best lineman, TJ Sanders, left the Tennessee game early with an injury. Beamer said that Sanders has been limited over the past week, but he “Is okay.” If Sanders can be at 75% or better, he significantly improves what the Gamecock defense can do up front. Sanders and the defensive line are a major key as to how the Gamecocks can win against Florida. Additionally, transfer defensive end Drew Tuazama missed the trip to Tennessee for “personal reasons.” Beamer updated that he is in a good spot and ready to play this weekend.
Passing Threats
Finally, from a skill perspective, wide receiver Ahmarean Brown spoke to the media about the frustrations of being sidelined by an injury. Brown, who is known for his speed, noted that with his biggest strength taken away due to the hamstring injury, he saw other areas of his game that need improvement. He will be ready to make an impact against the Gators on Saturday. Beamer said that star receiver, Juice Wells, is “doubtful” on Saturday. He went on to say that he “wouldn’t rule anything out.” This type of statement gives the Florida staff reason to prepare for Wells even though he likely won’t be playing. On a positive note, Beamer said that Wells’ injury is healing quickly and they are just being cautious not to put him back on the field before he is ready.
Offensive Explosion
Players have mentioned a few times that this South Carolina team needs to get back to “who we are.” Brown was asked, in reference to this statement, just who this team is on offense. The fifth-year receiver didn’t hesitate, “We’re explosive.” The Gamecocks can win against Florida if they are indeed explosive. Although the Gators’ defense has held teams in check most of the season, especially on third down, the teams who have beaten Florida have run the ball well and scored on explosive plays. Spencer Rattler and Xavier Legette once again find themselves in a position to make some noise. Make no mistake, the Gators will likely bracket Legette and force other receivers to beat them. Protection that allows Rattler to push the ball down the field could be a game-breaking difference-maker.
Run It, Don’t Force It
The Gamecocks have made their fair share of explosive plays through the air this season. In fact, Rattler is second in the league in completion percentage and fifth in the SEC in yards per attempt. He is accurate even when throwing downfield. However, a flash from Carolina’s running game ranked last in the SEC, is needed as well. Mario Anderson has looked better and better in each game this year. After catching his breath over the bye week, Anderson is poised to build off of the 75-yard sprint for a touchdown, one of the few bright spots for the Gamecocks in Knoxville.
If Anderson and the Carolina running game can muster some consistency without Dowell Loggains having to force the run, the Gamecocks will be in good shape. 25 total team carries for 100 yards should be the magic number to land in the win column. Loggains said in his press conference on Wednesday, “You can’t treat symptoms, you have to treat problems.” He recognizes that many issues this team has faced are just symptoms of the larger protection problem. Solving as many blocking woes as possible unlocks the potential of the other offensive players.
The Weekly Segment
It’s time for the weekly “Stack the Box” segment here at Last Word on College Football. The Gamecocks’ biggest key to success in the remaining seven games is stopping the run. Florida operates through their running backs. Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne’s success on the ground will determine this game. If Carolina sells out to stop the run, the Gamecocks will win against Florida. Graham Mertz does not have the weapons to beat South Carolina through the air. To build on that, the secondary for the Gamecocks should also be at full strength coming out of the bye week.
Defensive backs are featured in Clayton White’s 4-2-5 defense. This group is talented and capable to having games put on their backs. The Gamecocks should keep all defensive linemen, both linebackers, and either a nickel or Nick Emmanwori in the box for most of the game. This will put the most responsibility on Marcellas Dial, OD Fortune, DQ Smith, and Jalon Kilgore not to give up explosive pass plays that result in six. They are capable. The defense has also put major emphasis on creating more tackles for loss. Getting the Gator running backs on the ground on early downs and forcing third and long (obvious passing situations) frequently will be a major key to watch.
Magic of Willy B
Perhaps the most important advantage the Gamecocks have as they seek to win against Florida is the atmosphere of Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gators have lost both of their road games this season… badly. On the contrary, South Carolina has had lots of offensive firepower at home in two outings this season. If South Carolina can have success early in the game, it will be difficult for the run-first Florida team to climb out of a hole. The state fair is in town and the crowd is always loud. Fans know the importance of a win and their role in being disruptive.
Expect a competitive game throughout most of this contest. The Gators will be efficient and work the clock to limit possessions. But it will be the Gamecocks in the end who have enough to find victory. Anderson hits the century mark once again.
Final Score: South Carolina 27 Florida 23
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