Florida Rules Out Key Wide Receiver For South Carolina Game
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The Florida Gators cannot get their top three receivers on the field together.
Eric Singleton Jr. dealt with injuries during the first few weeks of the season. Vernell Brown III is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered in Florida's 52-28 win over Ole Miss on Sept. 26 causing him to miss the Week 5 loss to the Missouri Tigers.
Earlier in the week, Gators head coach Jon Sumrall told reporters Brown was looking better this week, but he did not fully participate in practice on Wednesday.
Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Gators ruled Brown out for Saturday's game against South Carolina.
The news on Saturday came after Brown was a participant in practice for Florida on Friday. He received team reps but was not fully healthy and was considered a game-time decision.
Brown has 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns this season. He's the second-leading receiver on the Gators.
The loss will keep a trio of Brown, Singleton, and Dallas Wilson from being on the field together against a South Carolina team that desperately needs a win after losing three consecutive SEC games.
The Gamecocks are expected to play star defensive end Dylan Stewart against the Gators. Stewart served a suspension in USC's loss to Kentucky last week after the expected first-round pick threw a punch in the Gamecocks' loss to Alabama.
The Florida offense struggled in its Week 5 loss to Missouri. The running game was a surprise issue for the Gators, with running back Jadan Baugh being held to 13 yards on 12 carries. UF is looking to get back on track this weekend before playing No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Georgia in its next two games.
The Gators fell to No. 16 following the loss to Mizzou. Florida should be able to take advantage of a USC team on the ropes this weekend in Gainesville. Florida can make a statement with a blowout to help pad its resume for the College Football Playoff.
More importantly, the Gators need to use Saturday as an opportunity to correct issues that have shown up through the first five weeks. Penalties have been a killer. The secondary has given up big plays.
Quarterback Aaron Philo must continue to grow in the offense. While Brown won't be on the field to help him, the Gators have talented pieces at receiver and should overwhelm the Gamecocks’ secondary.
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