I have to think that emotionally this South Carolina team is just in a tough situation after being so high after beating Georgia at home as home dogs and then coming up short against LSU where the final score was not indicative of how much they were dominated in that game.
⢠Outgained by 195 yards by LSU
⢠3-13 on third down, LSU was 11-19
⢠Team prides themselves on run ball LSU held them to 1.4 ypc, while LSU averaged 4.9 ypc
⢠S Car did hold LSU to 3 FG and 2 TD, and was 2-2 on 4th down which allowed them to cover by 1/2 point
Florida is very similar to South Carolina and LSU and in fact they just beat LSU at home at their own game. All three teams like to run the ball, plays defense and limit the mistakes.
⢠Florida is 23rd in rushing offense ypc, South Carolina is 71st
⢠Florida has allowed less rushing yards/game (held LSU to 1.7ypc, Scar 4.9ypc)
⢠TO margin - Florida is 16th while South Carolina is 44th
⢠Jeff Driskel adds a different dynamic and more of a challenge to South Carolina's defense.
⢠Driskel 5.7 ypc 326 rush yards, 140 QB rating 66% completions, not something South Carolina had to deal with.
Can not under estimate the impact of the REVENGE FACTOR.
REVENGE: South Carolina beat Florida the last two years including in 2010 at the Swamp with the East division on the line. The Gamecocks celebrated on Florida's field. Sr Safety Josh Evans said, "It's definitely revenge man."
Mike Gillislee > Lattimore - more yards this season, better vs. LSU, Lattimore seems to have lost a step and he's dealing with a hip injury.
Home Field advantage is key. More so vs. the run on both sides. We saw how LSU struggled running and even stopping the run at time at the swamp as Mike Gillislee ran for 145 yards on 34 carries. Look for Florida to wear down South Carolina's front.
Key Stats:
3rd down defense - Florida is 8th 28.26%, 20% at home / South Carolina is 28th, but 41.67% ont he road
3rd down offense - Florida 51% at home 7-14 vs. LSU / 33% on the road
