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University of South Carolina keys to victory

By JOANNE KORTH

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 11, 2000

1. HOLD ON TO IT: Florida has forced 33 turnovers this season leading to 131 points. The Gamecocks offense is not high powered enough to give away scoring opportunities. And the USC defense faces enough pressure trying to stop the Fun 'n' Gun without the offense making it tougher.

2. GIVE IT TO DEREK: Sophomore tailback Derek Watson is South Carolina's best offensive weapon, the SEC's leader in all-purpose yards with 160.4 per game. The Gamecocks must be committed to the running game and Watson, who has scoring runs of 58, 65 and 68 yards.

3. GET TO GROSSMAN: Florida freshman quarterback Rex Grossman is the nation's most efficient passer, but he did make mistakes when pressured by Georgia and Vanderbilt. Forcing Grossman to throw quickly helps the USC secondary, too.

4. STAY ON THE FIELD: The best way to stop Florida's offense is to keep it on the sideline. Controlling the clock is the surest way to frustrate UF coach Steve Spurrier and head off an offensive shootout.

5. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED: South Carolina is in unchartered territory, playing for the SEC's Eastern Division title in one of college football's most hostile venues. As hard as it sounds, the Gamecocks cannot be awed by the Gators' reputation or their fans.

University of Florida keys to victory

1. STOP THE RUN: Florida has allowed five 100-yard rushers this season. South Carolina tailback Derek Watson averages 97.3 yards. The Gamecocks' spread offense forces one-on-one tackling, something the Gators have struggled with at times this season. The linebackers must step up

2. FORCE TURNOVERS: Florida gives up 348.2 yards per game, so the key to the Gators' resurgent defense clearly is their 33 forced turnovers, tied for the most in the nation with Arizona. South Carolina has been careful with the ball, committing 19 turnovers.

3. THROW: This may seem obvious for an offense nicknamed the Fun 'n' Gun, but South Carolina has been tough against the pass this season, allowing a nation-best two scoring passes. The line needs to buy plenty of time for freshman quarterback Rex Grossman.

4. RUN IT SOME: The Gators pass to set up the run. But there's nothing talented defenses like more than a one-dimensional offense. Florida must have at least the threat of a running game to keep the Gamecocks honest.

5. DON'T GET COCKY: Pardon the pun, but Florida cannot afford to underestimate the Gamecocks. Many of the players are the same, but this is not the same South Carolina team that went 0-11 last season. This homecoming opponent will require the Gators' full attention.

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