5 keys to a Gamecock win vs Florida

Let’s set the stage…

For the first time since Spurrier arrived at USC, both teams enter the game ranked in the top 25. The No. 24 Gamecocks have won six of their past seven games to return to the polls for the first time since early September, while Florida moved up a spot to No. 3 following its 42-14 drubbing of Vanderbilt and Penn State’s loss to Iowa. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow set a school record with five rushing touchdowns and threw for a career-high 304 yards last year in a 51-31 win against USC, a performance that helped the left-hander win the Heisman Trophy. According to the Heisman Trophy Trust, Saturday’s game will mark the first time a Heisman winner will play against a team coached by a Heisman recipient.

Today, is much like in 06 when Florida needed a win to be in the National Championship hunt. Again they have this same burden and again it is the Gamecocks coming to town to act as spoiler. In 06 they were a Moss finger tip away but came up short.

Florida averages 42.8 points to lead the SEC. South Carolina, though, in its first year under defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, ranks in the top 10 nationally in total defense (third) and scoring defense (10th) . The Gamecocks have held six opponents to 17 points or fewer, and none have managed more than 24 points.

Story line of the day — Florida QB Tim Tebow vs. South Carolina’s defense

Now to my 5 keys to a Gamecock win vs. Florida….

1. USC Defense has to play perfect — SC has to be aggressive, make tackles, force TOs. Simple the entire game is on their backs. UF will get points just have to limit them. Hold them under 20 pts and the odds of winning are in our favor. This is a pivotal game for both programs and our defense has to be hungry today.

2. Limit UF big plays — USC has to limit UF’s speed and threats. No easy points today so nothing dumb on special teams or mis tackles in the secondary. Hold on at the start as Florida has outscored its opponents 192-23 in the first half this season. So be tuff in the beginning.

3. USC has to run the ball with success….USC must be able to move the ball on the ground to win.

4. USC O Line…I come back to this but this still is a weak spot on offense. I am not worried about our receiving corps or TEs. UF defense can pressure the heck out of opposing QBs and this can not happen today. Garcia/Smelley need time and Davis/Baker need running lanes.

5. SC must win the small battles today….What do you mean you ask? SC must win the field position game, must limit UF on 3rd attempts, SC must control the clock, SC must win the TO battle. Each time UF has the ball is a battle. Win each time. I am not expecting a shut out but it is all about limiting their opportunities. SC must make the most out of when they get the ball. You get what I am saying….this is the critical key today.

My brain wants to say Flordia will win today with a 34 – 24 win but this is about 5 keys to a Gamecock win. So if the above 5 keys are done and won (so to speak) then I feel the gamecocks will shock the world and walk away with a win by the score of 23-21. Succop be ready….

Thoughts?