Florida vs. South Carolina Final Score Predictions: Experts weigh in on two teams desperate to get back in the win column
After a shellacking by the Missouri Tigers, Jon Sumrall’s Florida Gators need a bounceback game in the worst way.
The Florida Gators are 4-1 as they come back home for homecoming in The Swamp to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Things are not going great for either team, but the Gators are still in the hunt to win the SEC, but their margin for error is significantly less with a loss on their resume. They have a lot to prove, especially on defense.
For the Gamecocks, they are in a significantly different spot. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been up-and-down, star edge rusher Dylan Stewart is dealing with a suspension, but could play, and Shane Beamer is halfway out the door. It really feels like a must-win for both teams. Who will get the win? Our experts break it down.
Florida 52, South Carolina 31
After a brutal game against Missouri where he gained just 13 yards on 12 carries, with 12 of those yards coming on the first carry, Jadan Baugh is going to come into this game very motivated. This Gators offense is going to get back on track in a big way, hopefully with wide receiver Vernell Brown III. The key will be whether or not the defense can stop the Gamecocks offense. I think they will be very motivated and do a good enough job.
– Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida
Florida 43, South Carolina 30
Welcome back to reality, Florida. The Gators were absolutely bludgeoned in their 45-17 loss to the Missouri Tigers, particularly on the lines of scrimmage. Florida’s seemingly elite rushing attack was stonewalled, with the Gators mustering just 42 yards on 25 carries.
What’s a great elixir to get right? Shane Beamer’s team, which is giving up yards and points aplenty this year. Odd stat alert: the Gamecocks have led by 16+ points in three of their last four SEC games going back to last year and lost.
South Carolina doesn’t come from ahead to lose this time; the Gators ambush them early with an explosive first quarter. Florida’s iffy defense allows LaNorris Sellers, who ran for 147 yards last week, to do plenty of damage, but the Gators keep the Gamecocks relatively at bay all afternoon.
– Craig Smith, A to Z Miami
Florida 28, South Carolina 17
Florida gets back in the win column after an ugly showing against Missouri, but this one is far from a comfortable win for the Gators. Jadan Baugh helps set the tone with a productive afternoon on the ground, taking advantage of an up-and-down South Carolina defense and giving Florida the consistency it needs to control the game.
LaNorris Sellers gives the Gamecocks plenty of hope early, making several tremendous plays with his arm and legs to keep South Carolina within striking distance. However, Sellers eventually comes back down to earth in the second half, allowing Florida’s defense to settle in and the Gators to pull away for a 28-17 victory.
– Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame
Florida 38, South Carolina 17
The Florida Gators fell to Missouri in a game that opened everyone’s eyes to this team’s flaws. Still, I think they are well ahead of schedule and are a team that can win 10 games this season. And this is one of those wins. South Carolina is one of the worst teams in the country and seems to be falling apart. Now, there’s not much to break down here. SC sucks at pretty much everything, and Florida will run the ball well, open up the pass game, and play swarming football on defense.
– Justin Churchill, A to Z Oklahoma
Florida 37, South Carolina 23
The Florida Gators are coming off a disappointing showing against Missouri and one that ground their momentum to a screeching halt, but I’m far from out on Florida and Jon Sumrall. They got their doors blown off due to a lack of trench play, and that is concerning, but I think they will get back to the drawing board and go to work in the swamp. It also helps that the Gators’ “get right” game is against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Shane Beamer is answering questions about his job security, Dylan Stewart has been suspended (though he did return to practice this week), and quarterback LaNorris Sellers has regressed in Kendal Briles’ offensive architecture. It might be a long day for the Gamecocks against an angry Florida team.
– Rob Gregson, A to Z Alabama
Final Prediction for Ole Miss vs. Florida
To nobody’s surprise, the Gators are unanimous favorites to win the game based on our experts’ opinions. Last week, they were also unanimous, and it didn’t work out so well. It will be interesting to see how it goes.
