The Florida Gators led the South Carolina Gamecocks for the vast majority of the game and had a chance for a game-winning touchdown drive, but Florida came up just short in its upset bid, falling 19-14 to 10th-ranked South Carolina.
Florida vs. South Carolina final score: No. 10 Gamecocks get by Gators, 19-14
South Carolina gets by Florida -- barely -- and stays alive in the SEC race.
After the Gamecocks pushed their lead to five on Elliott Fry's fourth field goal of the night, the Gators got the ball back and a chance to take the lead. Florida was across midfield and threatening to score when South Carolina cornerback Jimmy Legree picked off third-string quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg's pass to secure the Gamecock win.
Any game that the 2013 Florida Gators have a chance to win is going to be aesthetically displeasing, and that was the case tonight in Columbia, SC. Florida’s strategy, as it usually is, was to run the ball, control the clock, and limit the opponents’ opportunities to score. That approach is a big reason why the Gators limited the Gamecocks to just nine possessions and 19 points.
Florida has now lost five straight games for the first time since 1979, and the Gators will need to find a way to beat No. 2 Florida State in order to get a sixth win and become bowl-eligible. The Gamecocks are done with their SEC schedule and now have to hope for a Missouri loss in the Tigers’ final two conference games.
Box Score Heroes: The Gamecocks knew that Florida was going to run Kelvin Taylor and run Kelvin Taylor and run Kelivin Taylor, but that didn't stop Kelvin Taylor from picking up a healthy 4.6 yards per carry on his way to 96 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
Shon Carson only carried the ball 13 times, but ripped off a 58-yard run to flip the field late in the game and set up the game-winning field goal. Carson saw increased carries because Mike Davis was ineffective following a first half ankle injury.
Rankings Ramifications: South Carolina came into the game ranked 10th in the BCS. Depending on what happens in some of the late-night games, they may move up a spot or two.
But Did They Cover? South Carolina was favored by 15.5, so nope. The Gamecocks won outright, but they did not cover.
For More On This Game: For more on Gators football, visit Florida community Alligator Army. For more on Cocks football, visit South Carolina community Garnet And Black Attack. To read more about all 14 teams in the Southeastern Conference, stop by SEC community Team Speed Kills.
Next Week’s Schedule: Florida returns to Gainesville to take on the Georgia Southern Eagles. South Carolina welcomes the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers to Williams-Brice Stadium.
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