Hit the Reset Button: Gators, Gamecocks Meet at Different Crossroads
Two teams at different crossroads meet to hit the reset button after disappointing losses last week.
By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst, Host of The Lowdown with Loren Meadows
SOUTH CAROLINA OFFENSE
Players to Watch:
#16 QB LaNorris Sellers (6-3, 238, Sr.), #28 RB Matt Fuller (5-11, 221, Jr.), #8 WR Nyck Harbor (6-5, 239, Jr.), #3 WR Mazeo Bennett Jr. (5-10, 185, Jr.)
Key Matchups:
Florida Front Seven vs. South Carolina Offensive Line; LaNorris Sellers vs. Florida Secondary
The centerpiece of the Gamecocks' offense is quarterback LaNorris Sellers, whose combination of arm strength, mobility and physical running makes him one of the most important players in Saturday's contest. Sellers has recorded 1,059 passing yards and 391 rushing yards through five games. His dual-threat ability presents a difficult assignment for Florida's defense, particularly if South Carolina can establish its running game early. When Sellers is comfortable in the pocket and has room to operate outside it, he can create opportunities that extend beyond the original design of a play.
Throw in wide receiver Nyck Harbor and this may be the most athletic duo the Gators have seen this season. Harbor has legitimate world class speed and possesses a catch radius that is out of this world. While he has started slow, the up and down Gators secondary could be just what is needed for him to have a breakout second half of the season.
Florida's defense has struggled to consistently contain explosive plays, making Sellers' ability to push the ball downfield and make defenders miss a significant storyline. South Carolina will need him to make sound decisions, protect the football and take advantage of opportunities when Florida commits extra defenders to stopping the run. Sellers and Fuller have helped fuel a South Carolina rushing attack averaging 256 yards per game, which ranks first in the SEC. If Fuller can find running lanes and force Florida to respect the ground game, Sellers could have more opportunities to exploit coverage through play-action and designed quarterback runs.
Outside of Harbor the receiving corps will also need to contribute. South Carolina struggled with dropped passes against Kentucky, with head coach Shane Beamer acknowledging that his staff counted six drops in the game. Improved reliability from the receivers will be essential, especially in third-down situations and in the red zone. Brad White has challenged the Gator defense to go hunt — intimidating the South Carolina receivers would be a great start.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEFENSE
Players to Watch:
#17 LB Justin Okoronkwo (6-3, 230, Sr.), #0 LB Fred "JayR" Johnson (6-3, 241, Jr.), #31 DB Peyton Williams (6-0, 214, 5th Yr.), #6 Edge Dylan Stewart (6-5, 250, Jr.)
Key Matchups:
Florida Offensive Line vs. South Carolina Defensive Line; Florida Receivers vs. South Carolina Secondary
On the defensive side, South Carolina will look to find a way to disrupt Florida's rhythm without allowing the Gators to create easy opportunities through the air or on the ground. One of the biggest names to watch is defensive end Dylan Stewart. The explosive edge defender is a key piece of South Carolina's pass rush and has the ability to pressure the quarterback, disrupt timing and force hurried decisions. Stewart's availability is an important storyline entering Saturday. He returned to practice during the week after serving a suspension, and reports indicated that he would travel with the team. His final game status remained uncertain in the latest reporting, making his potential participation something to monitor before kickoff. If Stewart plays, his ability to win one-on-one matchups could help South Carolina generate pressure without consistently sending extra rushers.
Florida running back Jadan Baugh had been a major part of the Gators' offense before being held to just 13 yards on 12 carries against Missouri. Baugh will be looking for a big bounce back performance that allows Florida to control the game. If this happens then the play-action game with Philo and the talented Florida pass catchers will be in play and open up limitless options for Buster Faulkner to get back into his bag of diverse plays.
THE SKINNY
Two teams at two different crossroads. South Carolina had early double-digit leads in the two losses to Mississippi State and Kentucky that evaporated in heartbreaking fashion. This has led many to believe that coach Shane Beamer has had his fill of Columbia and it is time to go in a different direction. Florida felt the sting of a physical beatdown at the hands of Missouri and for the first time, Jon Sumrall has spent a week evaluating his team on the heels of a loss.
While Sumrall and Beamer have preached reflection, preparation, and responsibility, both teams are in a state of repair, physically and emotionally. Execution will be key as the elements can lend a certain air to a game where both teams certainly will have something to prove. South Carolina continues to play hard for their embattled but popular coach while Florida is looking to continue its rise back to the top. Sumrall has been great after wins; it will be key to see how his team rebounds after a loss. South Carolina will score and keep it close but the Gators have always found a way at home, especially on Homecoming.
Prediction:
Florida 31, South Carolina 24
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