No. 1 Florida Favored Big Over South Carolina

Sports News - November 11th, 2009 - Written by John

The Florida Gators have not looked like the No. 1 team in the country as of late. Their offense has sputtered, but they will get a chance to improve on Saturday as they travel to Columbia to play South Carolina. The Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4) have now lost three of their last four games, including last weekend to Arkansas. They started the season 5-1, but appear to be on the late-in-the-season skid they suffered last year. Florida has already clinched a spot in the SEC title game, but must avoid a hiccup against South Carolina to keep their national title hopes alive. The Gators routed the Gamecocks last year 56-6 and are coming off their 27-3 win over Vanderbilt.

Despite the struggles on offense, the Gators are still undefeated and are led by quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow has not put up the numbers expected, but has led his team with both his arms and his legs. He has passed for 1,531 yards and 11 touchdowns, but has also rushed for 578 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Gators lead the SEC in rushing and are averaging 240.7 yards per game. Running backs Jeffrey Demps, Chris Rainey, and Emmanuel Moody have combined for 9 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards for the Gators. Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper lead their group of receivers and have combined for 1,022 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Gators struggles have come in the red zone where they have only scored a touchdown 30 percent of the time, down from 73 percent a year ago.

The Gators defense has been dominant all season and are allowing just 232 total yards a game. They have been very successful against the pass while allowing only 134 yards per game through the air and they have picked off 15 passes this season. They will have a good challenge this week against a good passing attack that the Gamecocks will bring.

South Carolina's offense has struggled lately and are averaging just 12 points in their last four games. They have lacked any production out of their running game and have needed to rely on the arm of quarterback Stephen Garcia. Garcia has passed for 2,421 yards and 13 touchdowns this year. Running back Kenny Miles has had problems finding holes this year and has only rushed for 488 yards and 1 touchdown. They have only totaled 4 rushing touchdowns by their backs and will need to find a way to improve against the Gators. Alshon Jeffery has been Garcia's favorite target and has 613 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Gamecocks defense has been great against the pass this season and ranks 7th nationally. However, their defense has been exposed by their opponents ground game and must find a way to control the Gators rushing attack.

Florida will be favored by 16 according to Betus sporstbook and the over/under is set at 42 1/2. The Gators will look to stay atop of the NCAA College Football Standings.

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