Florida vs. South Carolina Pick & Prediction: Trust Gamecocks to Pull Off Upset?
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Florida Gators QB Feleipe Franks and WR Tyrie Cleveland
- Florida travels to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks on Saturday afternoon (12 p.m. ET, ESPN).
- Can South Carolina pull off another upset the week after knocking off Georgia as a three-touchdown underdog.
Florida at South Carolina Odds
- Spread: Florida -4.5
- Over/Under: 52.5
- Moneyline: UF -196, SC +165
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS Sports Network
Odds as of Saturday morning and via PointsBet, where Action Network users get an exclusive 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).
The Gamecocks had just an 8% post-game win expectancy after defeating Georgia, but still found a way to pull off the upset in Athens.
South Carolina capitalized on quarterback Jake Fromm’s first career pick six and a missed game-tying kick in overtime by sharpshooter Rodrigo Blankenship. South Carolina may not have earned the victory, but it will have full confidence and enthusiasm against Will Muschamp’s ex-team.
Gamecocks quarterback Ryan Hilinski left with a knee injury during the victory, but he’s set to return against a Florida defense that ranks eighth in Defensive Havoc. However, South Carolina has been excellent in Havoc Allowed to this point, ranking 25th overall with just 26 Tackles For Loss allowed.
Plus, Florida may be without its top two pass rushers, Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga, who have both been very limited at practice this week and are key cogs to what the Gators wants to do on defense.
The Gamecocks also boast an explosive rushing attack that ranks in the top 20. South Carolina’s 14 rushes of 20-plus yards is top 15 in the nation. They also feature a solid defensive line on a defense that has been playing much better since some scheme changes since the Missouri loss.
Muschamp getting more involved in the defensive play calling has also had a positive effect.
I also wonder how much is left in the tank for Florida? A smash of Auburn two weeks ago gave the Gators plenty of fuel to compete initially with LSU. But Florida ran 84 plays in that game, much higher than their season average of 69.
Fatigue played a factor late in Baton Rouge when the Tigers secured a front door cover and could again this week in the second half.
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