Florida vs. South Carolina: Five Gators to watch, including Sharrif Floyd

RB Mike Gillislee

Gilly didn't get free to his usual degree against Vanderbilt, partly because of a banged-up offensive line. But he's been best in the two games Florida has needed him most in 2012, tiptoeing to a win against Texas A&M and grinding LSU to a fine dust resembling a football team in the second half. There's a pretty good chance he'll be needed in the same sense against South Carolina.

WR Frankie Hammond

I mean, SOMEONE who lines up outside the tackle box has to break out on offense at some point, right? Quinton Dunbar has seemed more slippery of late, but Hammond has the two bigger plays (I can't even write biggest; Omarius Hines catching a jump ball against Kenyicky doesn't count) of the season in the passing game, and he's quick and agile enough to get loose. Just hit a 30-harder and we'll be good, I promise.

DT Sharrif Floyd

Clogging the middle is a responsibility for both Fliyd and Omar Hunter, who has been coming on of late, but the Gators' best defensive player can solidify his draft stock by shutting down Marcus Lattimore and the rest of the South Carolina running game. Sacks would be a plus, but a couple tackles for loss seems like the baseline.

LB Jon Bostic

The Gators' best linebacker in 2012 broke out against Vanderbilt, playing well for the whole game and dipping around a tackle for a strip sack that helped Florida build its lead in the second half. Bostic's speed is better now than it's ever been, and while the chances of him getting a pass rush on Connor Shaw are slim, his talents are always helpful in run support.

P Kyle Christy

A punter is on our players to watch list: This is Florida football in 2012. Christy has been tremendous this season, good enough to merit serious award consideration, and if he can neutralize Ace Sanders, probably the best returner the Gators will see all year, he may end up deserving a game ball after Saturday.