November 12, 2011; Columbia, SC, USA; Florida Gators running back Jeff Demps (28) rushes for a gain as South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Antonio Allen (26) closes in in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE
After the South Carolina Gamecocks first loss of the year in Baton Rouge, the Florida Gators may think they have a blue print on how to beat SC.
Whether or not they come at Carolina just like LSU, here are the three key matchups that will decide the game down in The Swamp.
SC’s Front Seven vs Mike Gillislee and UF’s O Line
Florida is not a passing team this year. The Gators will try to run the ball down South Carolina’s throat, and with good reason; The Gamecocks could not stop LSU’s rushing attack a week ago, and their interior defensive linemen are nursing injuries (Kelcy Quarles won’t even play).
So, there’s no doubt the Gators will look to beat SC on the ground.
The Gamecocks have had success stopping highly touted running games this year. They shut down Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy, who rushed for 1000 yards just a season ago, and they made Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall look like the freshman they are against Georgia.
If SC stops the run, they probably win. If Florida gets more than 125 yards from one rusher, the Gators probably win.
Connor Shaw vs Jeff Driskel
It seems simple enough, but it really isn’t. This is so much about which quarterback minimizes mistakes or puts up better stats. This quarterback battle is all about legs and arms on third down.
Both QBs like to run. Jeff Driskel likes it more than passing against tough opponents.
If Connor Shaw can stay level headed, and balance the run with the pass on third and medium type distances, South Carolina should be in really good position to win the game.
Driskel hasn’t proven he can consistently make throws to keep drives alive. He can do that with his legs, though, but it will be hard for him to keep up with Shaw (converting third downs) if he only goes for first down yardage on the ground.
This kind of has to do with the entire offense for both teams, too. Last week Carolina found itself in a ton of third and long situations, while LSU was moving the chains on third and shorts all night.
Whichever team can get more yardage on first and second down will probably win the game.
Special Teams vs Special Teams.
Florida has this matchup in the bag, right?
Maybe.
The Gators field goal kicker and punter are two of the best at their positions in the nation.
That expertise could come back to haunt Florida when you stop to think about it.
If Florida has a shot at a medium range field goal (35-42 yards) on a third more than a yard, they’re probably taking the three points. If they’re around midfield and have the option to punt the ball away on third and more than a yard, they’re probably going to do that.
The Gamecocks on the other hand will go for it in situations like that, and those moves really kept South Carolina in the game at LSU and gave them a shot to win it at the end.
I have no idea where I’m pulling this from, but if South Carolina has as many or more fourth down conversions as Florida does field goal attempts, the Gamecocks win this game. Bank on it.
Also, it doesn’t hurt to have Ace Sanders returning punts. He’s always got a shot to flip field position when the ball is in his hands on special teams.