In the most SEC East-y game on the schedule every year, Florida and South Carolina did battle on the ol’ gridiron once more. The Gamecocks won, 28-20, at home by hanging on in the end against the Gators.
But the Gamecocks got up 14-0 early, and then Florida converted a USC fumble into three points. ESPN’s app didn’t see it that way, however.
Even when we score we don’t score. @espn @NickdelaTorreGC pic.twitter.com/80fTntfQfn
— Alston Geers (@acgeers) November 11, 2017
Florida’s offense is bad, but somehow through both the Muschamp years and the McElwain era the Gators have sustained the nation’s longest streak of games in which they’ve scored points.
This game was ugly before it started, however, and has continued to be just that.
1. Florida has a ridiculous number of players suspended.
1-in-4 of Florida's scholarship players (just over 25%) are suspended or out this week. Just a number that continues to shock me. #Gators
— OnlyGators.com Florida Gators news (@onlygators) November 11, 2017
2. A Florida pick six somehow turned into a 20-yard South Carolina gain:
Uhhh...what just happened? pic.twitter.com/aRumkgf5Ub
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 11, 2017
3. This sequence:
The following just happened in an 8-play sequence at Florida-South Carolina:
— Brett Edgerton (@EditorEdge) November 11, 2017
2 INTs
2 lost fumbles
2 penalties
2 sacks#SECEastProblemz
4. Florida somehow threw the ball 11 times in the first quarter.
Under any circumstance, that is not really what you want.
5. Florida’s QB situation somehow got even worse.
In the second quarter, QB Malik Zaire went down hurt.
Feleipe Franks spelled him for one play and promptly threw a pass off of the back of an offensive lineman.
Zaire returned, and then this happened.
He went to Florida’s injury tent, and it may just be Franks’ show moving forward. Meanwhile, on the other side Florida’s linebackers especially are getting toasted. It’s ugly, it’s inept, it’s Florida football in 2017. And it ain’t getting any better.
6. In the third quarter, South Carolina QB Jake Bentley threw his third INT of the day.
Also in the third quarter, the Gamecocks took a 28-13 lead.
7. The Gators actually cracked 20 points ... shortly after this happened:
8. But with the game on the line, this happened.
Game, set and match.