Florida vs. South Carolina: Grading the Gamecocks' Win over the Gators

South Carolina came into Saturday's game against the Florida Gators needing a victory to stay alive in the SEC East race. 60 minutes of play later, they accomplished their goal with a 17-12 victory over the Gators.

The game wasn't pretty but it was efficient. The Gamecocks are now 8-2 on the season and in line for a good bowl game. When you consider all that they have faced this season as a team, that is impressive.

The Gamecocks relied on a solid running game and a stout defense to win the game. As a result, they are still technically in the SEC East race.

Gamecock Offense: B-

I would usually give a lower score for a team that only gained 299 yards at home against a mediocre defense. However, Spurrier came into the game with a great game plan. Instead of trying to win the game in the air, he attacked Florida at their weakest point.

The Gamecocks ran the ball down the throat of the Gators and Florida had no answers.  South Carolina rushed 52 times for 215 yards on the day.

The South Carolina offensive line did a great job of making holes for running backs who were likely unknown to many before Saturday's contest. 

South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw was only 6-of-12 passing for 81 yards an interception.

In the end, the Gamecocks did what they had to do to win this football game.

South Carolina Defense: A-

South Carolina won this game because of one reason—their defense.  The Gamecocks held the Gators to 261 yards. Most impressive was how they shut down the passing game. Florida quarterback John Brantley was 13-of-21 for only 119 yards.

The Gamecocks would have received a better grade, but their run defense was suspect at times. Chris Rainey rushed for 132 yards on 17 carries.

South Carolina, however, gets a high grade because they bent but they didn’t break. The Gamecocks were dominant once Florida got the ball inside the 10-yard line.

With Clemson looming in the near future they will need to take it to the next level.

South Carolina Special Teams: B

As a whole, the special teams was neither great nor horrific. Kicker Jay Wooten made a 28-yard field goal and missed a 40-yard field goal. Joey Scribner-Howard only averaged 38.0 yards per punt, but he did kick two inside the 20.

The reason the Gamecocks get a B on special teams is because their kickoff team kept Florida from big yards in the kickoff return game. The Gators were only going to win this game if they scored a touchdown on special teams.

Ace Sanders only had one return this game for eight yards. Again, the special teams gets a passing grade but will need to improve their overall production if they are going to finish strong.

South Carolina Coaching: A-

I cannot express with words how impressed I am with the job Steve Spurrier has done this season. The team is 8-2 and this is despite numerous injuries that should have led to this team folding.

In this game, they came in with the intentions of exposing Florida’s run defense—mission accomplished.

It was not a perfect game but the South Carolina staff made the needed adjustments. Spurrier abandoned the passing game, which we all know was hard, because Florida could not stop the run.

I am amazed that Ellis Johnson does not get more credit. The Gamecocks are not winning ball games because of a run and gun offense. They are winning games because of this defense.

Had it not been for the defense, this team might be a .500 team right now.

South Carolina Overall: B+

This grade might seem high, but any time the Gamecocks beat the Gators it is a good thing. However, it could be said that this is becoming a trend.

South Carolina came into the game needing a win to keep their SEC hopes alive and they were able to get the victory.  Even though Georgia all but eliminated South Carolina today, the Gamecocks have no reason to hang their head.

Few teams have had the adversity that the Gamecocks have this season. However, they have kept their composure and are 8-2. Fans might be kicking themselves about the Auburn game but overall they are on the right path.