Florida Gators Football: 5 Things We Learned Against South Carolina

The Florida Gators suffered their fifth conference loss of the season as they fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks, 17-12. 

At times, the Gators shined on both sides of the ball, but they were unable to put a complete game together. But the reasons why they lost were all to familiar for Florida fans. It was the same story all over again.

The Gators' inability to establish a rhythm on offense kept Florida's defense on the field too long, causing them to tire out too soon. The defensive line was unable to match the physicality of South Carolina all game long, which helped the Gamecocks to put a couple touchdowns on the board via the run game.

Not all was bad for the Gators, and as the season progresses, we continue to learn more about this team. Here are the five things we learned about the Gators from their game against South Carolina.

1. Offensive Line Woes Continue

First off, let me say that I have been apt to giving the offensive line plenty of chances this season. In their defense, I would attribute the high number of sacks on Brantley to his ankle injury he suffered against Alabama. 

However, that excuse can only go so far.

Against South Carolina, our offensive line struggled mightily in pass protection. Too many times, Brantley had to run outside the pocket and either throw the ball away or try and make something happen by forcing a pass. 

Brantley has a good arm and has the capability to complete tough throws, but with the lack of time in the pocket to get his feet set, Brantley can never make the strong throws to his receivers.

Tackle Xavier Nixon has been struggling as of late too. Against Georgia, he allowed Georgia defensive lineman Jarvis Jones to have four sacks. This past weekend, Nixon also struggled to contain Melvin Ingram, who often got the best of him.

The Gators' offensive line better fix these issues quickly or FSU's defensive line could have a big day in two weeks.

2. Florida's Defensive Line Struggles Against Power Running Backs

Once again, a powerful, downhill running back got the best of the Florida defensive line. 

Freshman Brandon Wilds ran for 120 yards on 29 carries against the Gators on Saturday. At 6'1", 223 pounds, Wilds was able to run through some gaping holes in the middle of the Florida defense as the line wore down over the course of the game.

And that is the main reason that the defensive line has struggled in the second half of football games this season. With virtually no time to rest due to offensive woes, the defensive line is getting too worn down too quickly. 

As we saw in the Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina games, the running backs were able to take advantage of a tired Florida defensive line in the second half.

If the offense can stay on the field for longer, I expect this issue to lessen some since the defense can stay more rested.

3. The Gators Could Be a .500 Team This Season

With only two games remaining, the Gators have a 5-5 record. At best, if they win their last two games of the regular season and then defeat their potential bowl opponent, they could match last year's record of 8-5.

In the two weeks ahead, one has to believe the Gators will come out of the Furman game with a victory. The Gators are just too talented for the Paladins to have a chance in that game.

So it will all come down to the season-ending rivalry game against FSU. Although the Seminoles have performed below expectations this season, they certainly have had a more successful season than the Gators. And with the momentum of last year's victory against Florida in Tallahassee, the Seminoles seem to have the edge in this matchup.

It still has to be decided on the field, but the Gators will need to be near perfect in order to have a chance for a victory.

If Florida loses that game on Nov. 26 in Gainesville, the Gators will finish the regular season with a 6-6 record, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of many Florida fans.

4. The Gators Can't Win the Big Games

The loss against No. 13-ranked South Carolina on Saturday kept an embarrassing streak for the Gators going.

Florida has now lost nine straight games against ranked opponents with their last victory being against Cincinnati in the 2010 Sugar Bowl.

Throughout this losing streak, the Gators just simply have been unable to step up in the big moments. They have had plenty of opportunities throughout this streak to get some victories, but in games such as against LSU in 2010, the Florida players couldn't make the necessary plays to put their opponents away.

Until the Gators can reverse this losing streak, it'll be tough to imagine them escaping this level of mediocrity that has plagued them the last two seasons.

5. The Red Zone Is a Problem for Florida

Another area that continues to be a problem for the Florida offense is the red zone. And once again, it made a huge difference in Saturday's game against the Gamecocks.

The Florida offense was able to get the ball inside the South Carolina 5-yard line three times throughout the game, and only one of those times was Florida able to get a touchdown.

Twice, the offense was stuffed due to poor play-calling and had to settle for field goals by Caleb Sturgis. 

You can attribute these red zone problems to lack of correct personnel, but I also believe play-calling was a key factor in the Gators' red zone struggles on Saturday.

Florida's offense desperately needs a bigger back who can anchor a power running game in the red zone. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are effective with their speed, but in the shortened field in the red zone, Rainey and Demps' speed is much less effective. Florida has a bigger back in Mike Gillislee, but seemed determined to keep him on the bench and let Rainey and Demps split the carries.

So until the Gators have a bigger back that they feel comfortable with down near the end zone, many of the red zone problems will continue to persist.

At times though, it seemed as if Florida tried to run around the South Carolina defense, rather than up the middle while in the red zone. If Charlie Weis could utilize Trey Burton or Hunter Joyer more near the goal line, it could be a change that would bring more success in the red zone.