Florida Gators vs South Carolina Gamecocks: Q&A with Garnet and Cocky
By Terry Lane
The Florida Gators (5-3) are on the comeback trail, winning two in a row as they return to the Swamp to face off against their legendary former coach Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks, who themselves are having at disappointing season at 4-5. We talked with Chris Carey at our sister site Garnet and Cocky about the Gamecocks’ view of this game and whether the South Carolina offense can outgun Florida’s defense.
Hail Florida Hail: The Gamecocks have had trouble with rushing quarterbacks this season and Treon Harris is coming off his best game, giving the Gators both a running and passing threat they didn’t show earlier this year. What can the Gamecocks do on defense to put pressure on the down field passing game?
Well for whatever reason the Gamecocks seem to always struggle more against running quarterbacks, not just this season. They looked better for the first 3-1/2 quarters against Tennessee. I think the key against Florida is linebackers and defensive ends staying home and focusing on their man, not trying to chase the ball.
Hail Florida Hail: The Gamecocks are getting a linebacker and tight end back onto the field after a bye week. Will having starters back on the field help South Carolina finish games?
Well I can’t say they will help them finish games because that’s been some sort of freak phenomenon this year. But I do think they will both help. Rory Anderson is a strong TE who can block and be a great weapon for the qb. Sakai Moore hasn’t progressed this year like people hoped, but he does have the ability to make big plays and they can certainly use that!
Hail Florida Hail: After the demoralizing home loss to Tennessee, will the Gamecocks be fired up to play for Spurrier in this game, or is the season now considered a lost cause?
Thanks for bringing up that game – just kidding. I think playing for Spurrier in the Swamp is kinda like every game against UGA – I think they find another gear and play better. Although the season can’t turn out like we hoped, I think they’re playing for pride and to prove there is more to them than the record shows so definitely not giving up.
Hail Florida Hail: South Carolina has had no problem scoring, averaging 479.6 yards and 35.9 points a game. But they face a Gator defense that has been improving and putting pressure on the quarterback. How effective is Dylan Thompson at handling pressure and can he keep up the Gamecocks’ offense success against a stout Florida defense?
Dylan seems to be hearing footsteps, so if Florida does get pressure that could be a big problem. But regardless he has had a huge year, and always seems to put up big numbers. I think the keys will be play calling and whether he is set up to be successful, and the offensive line and whether they can hold off the defense.
Hail Florida Hail: Pharoh Cooper is the Gamecock’s go-to wide receiver this season. Who else will need to step up for the Gamecock offense on Saturday?
Pharoh is the go-to everything player this season. This week I think Mike Davis needs to have a big game both running and receiving. Also I think it’d be great if Rory Anderson at TE got involved early on to give Dylan Thompson another option to go to!