Game Preview and Analysis

Three Key Match-Ups

USC DT Javon Kinlaw vs. FL RB Lamical Perine

One of the most pleasant surprises in 2017 has been the emergence of DT Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw has been un-movable at times in the middle, making defenses account for his size and physicality by putting two blockers on him. Meanwhile, RB Lamical Perine has been a force for the Gators, rushing for 6 touchdowns and providing physicality to the Gators running game. It will be key for Kinlaw to disrupt the running game in order to keep Florida one dimensional and make Malik Zaire to beat them with his arm.

USC BUCK DJ Wonnum vs. FL QB Malik Zaire

What a whirlwind at quarterback for Florida. The Gators have seen their fair share of QB changes and this week falls on the shoulders of Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire. On the other side, DJ Wonnum has been an absolute force for the Gamecocks, totaling 5 sacks on the season. Florida’s only chance of upsetting the Gamecocks will be to get Zaire going early. Look for Wonnum to try to make that hard to do for this Gators offense.

USC WR Bryan Edwards vs. FL CB CJ Henderson

After the injury to WR Deebo Samuel early in the year, many fans were left wondering where the Gamecocks would turn for offensive production. Bryan Edwards has done an excellent job filling that role, coming up with big play after big play, including a stunning catch against UGA last week. The Gators have always been known for having great defensive talent and CJ Henderson looks to continue that for the Gators. While he ties for the team lead in interceptions, Saturday’s match-up against Bryan Edwards may be his most stern test. Also, Edwards holds a three inch height advantage, which could be exposed on back shoulder fade routes or 50-50 balls down the field.

Prediction

There’s no way Florida is an underdog to Will Muschamp’s South Carolina Gamecocks in just his second year, right?

Believe it. While Muschamp has done an excellent job early in his USC tenure recruiting and coaching up the available talent, the Gators have been a mess. They fired their former HC Jim McElwain and have now placed former Miami head man Randy Shannon as the new interim. In Shannon’s first game as Gators coach, Florida got absolutely trounced at Missouri 45-16 in the other Columbia.

Look for South Carolina to not take Florida lightly and win a sloppy game in Columbia on Saturday. The Gators will fight, but it won’t be enough to beat a confident USC team. While inconsistent at times, the Gamecock offense will hit a play or two in the second half and the defense will make life a living hell for QB Malik Zaire and company. While the Gators are left home for the holidays, South Carolina gets their 7th win on the year and sets their sights on a New Years day bowl.

Final Score: Gamecocks 24, Gators 10