Florida vs. South Carolina: John Brantley and Gators Who Will Lead Team to Upset

The Florida Gators came close to an upset against the last ranked team it played—Georgia— and it is possible they could finish the job this week.

With the return of John Brantley and Jeff Demps, the offense has looked a lot more lively than it did during the four-game losing streak.

Against Georgia Brantley's inaccuracy was a problem, but he still managed to throw a touchdown pass and not turn the ball over. Demps's contribution came in the form of a scintillating 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

When the team hosted Vanderbilt last weekend, Brantley was a lot better throwing the ball and helped the team control possession until his injury in the fourth quarter. Demps was again a man on fire and did what Chris Rainey couldn't during his injury, carry the offense.

It is safe to say both these players will have a major impact on the outcome of the game tomorrow. Let's take a look at who else could join them in leading the Gators to an upset.

John Brantley

The Florida offense is in a much better condition when Brantley is taking the snaps. Despite his injury keeping him out of the last minutes of the Vanderbilt game, Brantley will start the game tomorrow.

When Brantley has played, he has completed 59 percent of his passes and thrown for 1,360 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. That experience and composure will be necessary against a team that is third in nation with interceptions.

Brantley's ability to keep the chains moving and avoid turnovers will be crucial against one of the SEC's best defenses this year.

Jeff Demps

Jeff Demps torched the Vanderbilt defense last weekend, and his teammates will be hoping he can repeat the feat against South Carolina tomorrow.

The rushing game has not been significantly productive during this season but Demps still has six touchdowns and a 7.1 yards per carry average.

The South Carolina defense is almost as tough on the run as it is on the pass, holding opponents to under 100 yards rushing in four of its nine games so far. If Demps can get some help from the returning Chris Rainey, the running game could prove pivotal for the Gators.

Jaye Howard

Jaye Howard is currently leading the defensive line for the Gators with 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Howard has also recovered one fumble.

While the offense has been the more obvious problem for the Gators, the defense has been okay at best. The defense is currently 67th in the nation in sacks and 97th in interceptions.

While the South Carolina offense has not neccesarily blown teams away, the two games the team has lost coincided with a lack of offensive production. Pressure on the ball will be key, and it starts from the line.

Matt Elam

Matt Elam has been all over the field for the Gators this year. He is second on the team in tackles with 53, he has 6.5 tackles for loss—also second on the team—and he has two interceptions and a forced fumble.

South Carolina's quarterback's have given up the ball under pressure, and if players like Howard and Jonathan Bostic can create the pressure, Elam may be increasing his interception tally.

Caleb Sturgis

Caleb Sturgis has contributed to 72 of Florida's 234 points so far this season. That is basically 31 percent of the team's offensive output for the year.

Sturgis has been extremely efficient this year having converting 90 percent of his field goal attempts, with two misses. Both of those misses have been field goals over 40 yards long. Sturgis can help keep the team in the game or stack on points when the team is ahead.

If there is a key moment in the game where a field goal could end up making or breaking Florida's chances, Sturgis is a likely bet to make it.