Homecoming for the Gamecocks is still two weeks away, but University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen on Thursday sent fair warning to students: No matter how much you don't like the referees' calls, don't throw water bottles onto the field again.

The admonition came in a letter sent to students in lead to the football team's game against Vanderbilt on Halloween weekend and referenced water bottles thrown onto the Williams-Brice stadium field in the fourth quarter of USC's 38-27 defeat against then-No. 9 Florida last weekend.

Florida defeats South Carolina:UF QB Kyle Trask throws career-high 4 touchdowns

"There is no doubt the referees missed a couple critical calls that could have easily changed the outcome of the game," Caslen wrote in his emailed letter.

However, he wrote, "incidents like this past Saturday — when items were thrown onto the field — are unacceptable. Not only does this pose a risk to safety, but it also reflects poorly on the character of who we are as a University."

The officiating compelled Coach Will Muschamp in a post-game press conference to utter the word "gutless."

Caslen wrote that he and Athletics Director Ray Tanner have logged their objections to the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, Greg Sankey, who is conducting "proper investigations."

"Regardless of the outcome," Caslen wrote, "this is the formal process to adjudicate complaints and we will abide and respect this process and the Commissioner's decision."

Water bottles and white "Cocky Cloths" rained onto the field from the student section in the fourth quarter, causing a delay in the game.

Eight students were ejected and arrested. Anyone else found throwing objects onto the field "will, at a minimum, lose athletic ticketing privileges for a full year," Caslen wrote.

This isn't the first time objects have been thrown against an opponent at Williams-Brice.

In 2017, Gameock fans threw trash at Clemson players in a 34-10 loss. The behavior was captured most vividly when a soda bottle hit Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow after a touchdown.

The 2017 game:More trash on the field than points for Gamecocks

RELATED:Palmetto Bowl disappoints on and around the field

Against Florida, the Gamecocks, looking to beat a second Top-10 in a row after upsetting Georgia the week before, took a lead in the third quarter before multiple calls by referees were called into question.

In the third quarter, USC had just scored when Florida running back Dameon Pierce ran 75 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 17-17.

On the play, a Florida offensive lineman came out of his stance early, which would have resulted in a 5-yard penalty and negation of the touchdown if called. As Pierce ran down the sideline, Florida receiver Tyrie Cleveland held Gamecock cornerback Israel Mukuamu's jersey for 20 yards down the field.

No flag was thrown.

Later in the fourth quarter, the referees didn't throw a flag on Florida's final touchdown, when a Florida receiver held up a Gamecock defender on a "pick play," allowing receiver Kyle Pitts to score.

Muschamp was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct as he protested the no-call.

Caslen called for students to follow the Gamecock Fan Code of Conduct.

"Let's be sure to show that support consistent with who we are as a University and as a community," he wrote. "You are the face of the University of South Carolina, and I know you will represent our University with all the outstanding qualities that make you special."

Follow Eric on Twitter @cericconnor