But the Gators can probably win that game with a somewhat limited roster.
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Starting more quickly would help – both Texas A&M and Tennessee raced downfield to score on their opening possessions, and the Volunteers built a 17-0 lead last weekend before USC rebounded to tie.
Although this may be a mismatch on paper, Spurrier believes the Gamecocks could pull the upset.
Florida earned a spot in the December 5 game in Atlanta thanks to an ugly 9-7 home victory over Vanderbilt last Saturday, a win that clinched the Gators’ first division title since 2009 but uncovered a few serious question marks. Stud DT Jonathan Bullard has been labeled doubtful for the SC tilt due to an arm injury.
And McElwain hopes to continue the conversation for years to come: “I look forward to this, you know, getting out of the way, and then where I get in and really pick his brain”.
“I’m kind of excited about this new challenge and the uncharted waters that we’re in”, he said.
Stacking up against South Carolina’s defense should help.
SC did just that last season in the Swamp, beating Florida (8-1, 6-1) for the fourth time in the past five years.
Take downs of one or both would surely gain the attention of SC leaders, along with the college football world.
“It doesn’t matter what they’re ranked or how successful they are. I think I need to get out of the way and let the coaches here and players have a go at it. I certainly think we have, the Gamecocks have got a chance to win this one this week, but I’m not going to be around”. “That’s the bottom line for us”, he said.
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The end result for the Gamecocks is doing their part to keep Elliott in charge beyond this month. Their goal is to win enough games so Elliott can earn the fulltime job. “Everyone respects and everyone wants him here”.
