Florida defeats South Carolina 38 to 6 behind a fast start by the Gators. Billy Napier’s squad jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Caleb Douglas got the party started for Florida in his first career start, totaling 40 yards in the first quarter, including a critical 13-yard reception on third down during the Gators first possession of the game. On the next drive he caught a 27-yard pass, setting up a beautiful 15-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Pearsall.
Trevor Etienne, Montrell Johnson, and Anthony Richardson destroyed the Gamecocks on the ground in the first half. They combined for 274 rushing yards before halftime, including an 85-yard touchdown run by Trevor Etienne, the 2nd longest in the last 34 years of Gators history. At one point in the game the Gators had three rushers with 100+ yards for the first time since 1984. Richardson took a sack late in the game, making his total 96 yards.
Most of Florida’s offensive production came in the first half as South Carolina’s defense settled down throughout the game. The Gators finished with 515 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per play.
Florida could have taken a knee every play in the 2nd half and won this football game. Patrick Toney’s defense stifled Spencer Rattler and this Gamecock offense for four quarters. South Carolina’s offense totaled just 237 yards and failed to score a single point against Florida’s defense. Their only points came on a 48-yard fake punt pass with two minutes remaining in the first half.
The Gators forced three fumbles on four plays to start the 2nd half. Rashad Torrence, Kamari Wilson, and Desmond Watson were credited with the forced fumbles. Florida’s offense failed to capitalize, mustering just seven points due to two failed FG attempts.
Special teams was the only real issue for the Gators tonight. Xzaiver Henderson’s fumble on a punt return (recovered by Miguel Mitchell), two failed FG attempts, and the fake punt touchdown could have been costly if this game was close.
This was the closest Florida has been to a complete game all season. The victory brings Florida their sixth win of the 2022 season, meaning the Gators are officially bowl eligible.