College Sports

Florida looks to close out home slate with win vs Gamecocks

Posted November 10, 2022 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (Logan Hannigan-Downs/College Station Eagle via AP) The Associated Press

South Carolina (6-3, 3-3 SEC) at Florida (5-4, 2-4), Saturday, 4 p.m. EST (SEC Network)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK COLLEGE LINE: Florida by 8 1/2

Series record: Florida leads 29-10-3

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

The Gators would become bowl eligible with a victory. First-year Florida coach Billy Napier has been quick to downplay the achievement, saying 'œwe've got bigger aspirations than that.'ť Florida also would like to avenge last year's 40-17 debacle in Columbia, a stunning upset that sped up the process of firing coach Dan Mullen.

KEY MATCHUP

Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler vs Florida's defense. The Gators haven't forgotten about the last time they faced Rattler, who torched them in the Cotton Bowl to end the 2020 season. Rattler threw for three TDs and ran for another in Oklahoma's 55-20 drubbing.

'œIt's pretty nice to get another shot,'ť Florida linebacker Amari Burney said. 'œWe owe him one.'ť

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Carolina: RB MarShawn Lloyd (deep thigh bruise) didn't travel to Vanderbilt last week and has been limited in practice since. He's a key cog for the Gamecocks, ranking 10th in the SEC in rushing (556 yards) and third with nine in rushing TDs.

Florida: QB Anthony Richardson looks more comfortable the more he plays. His TD passes are up and his turnovers down over his last six games. He's coming off one of his best outings. He threw for 201 yards and two TDs at Texas A&M and ran for 78 yards and two scores.

FACTS & FIGURES

South Carolina last won in the Swamp in 2014. '¦ The Gamecocks have back-to-back SEC road wins for the first time since 2012. The last time Carolina won three straight SEC road games came in 2011 when it beat Georgia, Mississippi State and Tennessee. '¦ Steve Spurrier remains the winningest head coach at both Florida and South Carolina. He was 122-27-1 with the Gators (1990-2001) and 86-49 with the Gamecocks (2005-15). '¦ The Gators are 4-2 at home this season. ... Florida will recognize 18 players on 'œSenior Day,'ť including nine scholarship guys. The list includes longtime starters LB Ventrell Miller, LB Amari Burney and S Trey Dean. It also includes a few guys with eligibility remaining, most notably LT Richard Gouraige, WR Trent Whittemore, RB Lorenzo Lingard and RB Nay'Quan Wright. '¦ Florida has scored in 432 consecutive games, an NCAA-record streak that began in 1988.

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South Carolina tight end Traevon Kenion (12) and quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) celebrate after their win against Vanderbilt in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Florida running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) reaches across the goal line for a touchdown as Texas A&M defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (35) defends during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) The Associated Press

South Carolina running back Jaheim Bell (0) leaps over Vanderbilt defensive back Jaylen Mahoney (23) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) shakes off a tackle attempt by Texas A&M defensive back Jarred Kerr (33) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) The Associated Press

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, center, celebrates as he walks off the field after his team's win over Vanderbilt in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

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