South Carolina at No. 16 Florida Gators — TV, betting odds, keys
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When: Saturday, 12:45 p.m.
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville
Line: UF by 13.5 points
TV: SEC Network
Weather: 85 degrees with a 30% chance of precipitation
Coaches: Shane Beamer is 35-33 at South Carolina; Jon Sumrall is 4-1 at UF, 47-13 overall
Quick slant:The Gators are 17-2 at home in the series, losing in 2010 and 2014 to Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Florida is 32-5 in homecoming games since 1989, last losing in 2018 to Missouri 38-17.
About South Carolina (2-3, 0-3): The Gamecocks are on an eight-game SEC losing streak, featuring leads in the last five, as criticism of Beamer intensifies in Columbia. South Carolina’s top-end talent is undeniable. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, receiver Nyck Harbor and defensive end Dylan Stewart are rare specimens, yet each has been inconsistent and unreliable. Stewart’s potential return from a one-game suspension for fighting Sept. 26 at Alabama would provide edge pressure to disrupt Florida’s offense. Linebacker Justin Okoronkwo, who is fourth in the SEC with 24 solo tackles, must be accounted for in the run game after the Gators rushed for just 42 yards during a 45-17 loss at Missouri.
About No. 16 UF (4-1, 2-1):Coordinator Buster Faulkner said his offense must turn a 17-point day at Missouri into “the outlier.” The Gators will need it to be unless their defense — No. 15 in the SEC — can emerge. Florida’s cornerbacks have particularly struggled, but Sellers can be an erratic passer. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. Vernell Brown III’s possible return — he’s questionable with a knee injury — would provide a lift at receiver and punt returner. Defensively, linebacker Myles Graham aims to move past a tough day at Missouri, where he had just one solo stop.
Three things to watch
1. Beamer’s acumen in the game’s third phase comes from father, Hall of Famer Frank Beamer, whose Virginia Tech teams won games by blocking kicks and using trick plays. The Gators need to be on guard.
2. Florida’s explosive sophomore defender Jayden Woods continues to develop technique and recognition off the edge. Consistent pressure from Woods and Co. would help a struggling secondary.
3. During the Missouri loss, Florida failed to create a turnover for the first time in 2026 but still boasts a plus-four margin. South Carolina has generated two turnovers and committed eight. The minus-six margin ties with Oklahoma for last in the SEC.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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