Florida vs. South Carolina Prediction, Game Prediction

Florida vs. South Carolina prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC matchup between the Gators and Gamecocks.

Florida vs. South Carolina Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 12 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
TV Broadcast: CBS

Florida’s lack of offense caught up with it in a 31-10 loss to Arkansas, as the Gators rushed for just 12 yards against a Razorbacks team that was ripped for 543 yards two weeks ago by Auburn. Quarterback Luke Del Rio is out for the game, meaning Austin Appleby will start likely under center. The Gators are 1-1 on the year with Appleby starting.

South Carolina continued its late-season half rally with its third-straight win, this time beating Missouri, 31-21, as quarterback Jake Bentley continues to impress after taking over the starting job.

What To Know About Florida

Appleby will reenter as the starting quarterback after Del Rio’s injury and will try to provide a spark that is much needed for the stagnant offense. Getting the running game going would help out a lot and take some pressure off of Appleby. The Gamecocks allow 197.44 yards per game on the ground, so there is opportunity there.

The Gators’ defensive players must be getting frustrated, as they are doing their job but the offense is giving them no help whatsoever. Bentley and the passing game for South Carolina will face one of the best secondaries in the country.

What to Know About South Carolina

Good luck, Jake Bentley, as you are about to get an introduction to one of the nation’s best defenses in Florida. This will be a major test to see how ready the true freshman is for prime time. Another freshman, running back Rico Dowdle, will try and take some pressure off and force the Gators defense to respect the run.

Defensively, making Appleby beat them with his arm will be the key focus for the Gamecocks. Put pressure on him, and he is ripe to make a mistake.

Advantages

Offense: South Carolina. How is McElwain’s offense so bad with so much talent?

Defense: Florida. The combination of Jalen Tabor and Marcus Maye makes for one of the nation’s best secondary units.

Special Teams: Florida. Antonio Callaway is a threat on kick returns.

Coaching: Tie. As the season progresses, more and more are starting to question McElwain’s coaching ability.

Intangibles: Florida. At home and still with the SEC East in their hands, the Gators should come out fired up.

Matchup To Watch

Jake Bentley vs. Florida secondary

Bentley is going to be a stud, but how well can he handle a talented secondary so early in his career?

Florida vs. South Carolina Betting Odds

Spread: Florida -12
Over/Under: None available at time of publication.