The Gators' 24-14 win over South Carolina gives the Gators their first undefeated SEC regular season since 1996. UF has now won 20 consecutive games.
The Gators also will have to continue to deal with the problems of their offense. Poor Caleb Sturgis cannot be the only offense because, you know, he is a kicker. Not including the final kneel down, UF had 4 drives start in South Carolina's end and managed seven points. Sturgis missed two field goals and there was the reenactment of the Ole Miss game. In addition, UF had two drives start outside of their 40, both ending with non scores.
Give credit to South Carolina, who after allowing scores on the first three drives, locked down. While UF did not turn the ball over, the Gators were 5-14 on third down, 0-1 on fourth down, and SC held the Gators to only 140 yards of rushing. Once again, Tim Tebow was used as a battering ram, with 16 carries, 26 yards, and two flips on his head. His 199 yards passing was a sight for sore eyes, but 68 came on the long bomb to Riley Cooper. Cooper also had chances at two more long touchdown passes, a sign that maybe, just maybe, Urban Meyer and Steve Addazio are willing to drop the Big Ten offense and throw the ball down field.
The defense again saved the Gators, holding the Gamecocks to 61 yards on the ground as they were willing to blitz and make Stephen Garcia beat them. Garcia did get 186 yards, but on 17 of 32 passing and 2 interceptions. Every week, I think it is finally the week the UF defense cannot make a stop, but they continue to play above their heads.
Next week brings Florida International and more questions as to why Florida has to settle for so many field goals and leave points on the field. I don't know what Florida can do and you don't know either. The problem is that Meyer and Addazio might not know either. But relying on Tebow and praying that your players solve your awful playcalling is not the answer.