The Florida Gators were able to bounce back from last week’s loss with a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Gators went into enemy territory and got the win in tough weather conditions. The Gamecocks were looking to pull off another top ten upset but Florida was able to prevail. Florida was down 20-17 heading into the fourth and scored 21 unanswered points to secure the win. Quarterback Kyle Trask had a career night as he threw four touchdown passes against South Carolina. The Florida Gators improve their record to 7-1 as they now head into a very much needed bye week. What did it take for the Gators defeat South Carolina?
Gators Defeat South Carolina Gamecocks 38-27
South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks gave it their all but it wasn’t enough to knock off the Florida Gators. Freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski completed 17 out of 35 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Running back Tavien Feaster had a big game against the Gators as he had 25 carries for 175 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Mon Denson also scored a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Senior Bryan Edwards played very well against Florida as he had seven receptions for 73 yards. Wide receiver Josh Vann also played well with three catches for 33 yards. Ortre Smith had the only receiving touchdown for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
On defense, the South Carolina Gamecocks weren’t able to contain Florida’s offense for the entire game. Redshirt-senior J.T. Ibe led the Gamecocks in tackles with eight tackles including six solo. Sophomore R.J. Roderick had six tackles in the game including five solos and a pass breakup. Linebacker T.J. Brunson also had six tackles including three solos and half a tackle for loss. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw had a solid game as he record four tackles and got to the quarterback a few times. Aaron Sterling and D.J. Wonnum both recorded sacks in the loss versus the Florida Gators.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators went into Columbia, South Carolina and escaped with a win versus the Gamecocks. Redshirt-junior quarterback Kyle Trask had some struggles with the wet ball but still had a decent game. Trask completed 22 out of 31 passes for 200 yards with four touchdown passes and an interception. Sophomore running back Dameon Pierce had 87 rushing yards including his 75 yard rushing touchdown. Senior Lamical Perine had fourteen carries for 68 yards. Redshirt-freshman Jacob Copeland had his coming out party as he had three receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Kyle Pitts had five catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Freddie Swain had five catches for 20 yards and scored a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Trevon Grimes also scored a touchdown a four-yard tunnel route.
The Florida Gators defense had a tough task as they were without Jon Greenard and Jabari Zuniga. Senior linebacker David Reese led the Gators in tackles with 13 including seven solo tackles. Junior cornerback C.J. Henderson had nine tackles with a sack and pass breakup. Redshirt-sophomore Zachary Carter made a big play in the second half as he had a strip sack that was recovered by Kyree Campbell. Jeremiah Moon had a nice game as he recorded four tackles including a sack and a tackle for loss. Defensive tackle Adam Shuler had a nice performance after recording three tackles including two tackles for loss.
What’s Next?
The Florida Gators are officially on their bye week. This bye comes at a great time as Florida will try to get healthy for what mostly likely be the most important game on their schedule. The Florida Gators will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. The winner of the game maybe the team that represents the SEC East in the SEC Championship Game. You can watch the World’s Largest Cocktail Party on November 2nd at 3:30pm on CBS.
