Sports: Defense defines Gamecocks

Defense defines Gamecocks

South Carolina has allowed only two passing touchdowns this year, but it hasn't played an aerial power like the Gators.

By JOANNE KORTH

GAINESVILLE -- Twenty-six.

That's how many passing touchdowns Florida has completed this season on its way to becoming the Southeastern Conference's highest scoring offense, 41.3 points per game.

Two.

That's how many passing touchdowns South Carolina has allowed this season, fewest in the nation, on its way to becoming the SEC's stingiest scoring defense, 13.0 points per game.

Something has to give, right?

With a berth in the SEC championship at stake, No. 5 Florida and No. 21 South Carolina pit strength against strength today at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

"They play smart," UF coach Steve Spurrier said. "They don't give you a lot of opportunities to hit a lot of big plays. It's going to be a challenge for our offense."

Even last season, when the Gamecocks were 0-11, they had the nation's 20th-ranked defense. This season, with a new spread offense aiding the cause, South Carolina is 10th in the nation in total defense, giving up 280.2 yards per game, and fourth in pass efficiency defense at 91.2.

"Then again, we've never really faced a passing attack like Florida has," USC coach Lou Holtz said. "I mean this sincerely, I think Steve Spurrier is an offensive genius. He does the best job of coaching the passing game of anybody I know."

Florida ranks sixth nationally at 314.0 passing yards per game, second in the SEC to Kentucky's 330.4. Ninety-first in the nation in rushing at 105.1 yards per game, the success of the Fun 'n' Gun clearly hinges on the Gators' ability to pitch it around.

Florida freshman quarterback Rex Grossman, who took over the starting job in October, has 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He leads the nation in pass efficiency at 170.7 and has two of the SEC's most talented targets in freshman Jabar Gaffney and sophomore Reche Caldwell. Combined, they have 15 touchdown receptions and 23 catches of 20 yards or more.

"It's a big game, but I enjoy big games and high-pressure situations," Grossman said. "I'm going to have fun out there. I'm still a little bit inexperienced, but every week I get better. I'm trying not to make mistakes that will hurt our team."

South Carolina, of course, hopes to spoil the fun. The Gamecocks likely will blitz more than usual and change coverages, hoping to rattle Grossman. South Carolina defensive coordinator Charlie Strong is familiar with the Fun 'n' Gun, having served as the Gators' defensive line coach from 1991 to 1994.

"They play their zones, play their man-to-man," Spurrier said. "They disguise. And their linemen and linebackers are very good players. They are just fundamentally sound."

South Carolina has thrived this season on creating turnovers. The Gamecocks have forced 25, including 17 interceptions. The numbers are not lost on the Gators.

"They have 17 turnovers on interceptions and only two touchdown passes against them," offensive tackle Mike Pearson said. "We have to do a good job of holding on to the ball and not putting our defense in a bind. If we turn the ball over, bad things happen. If we hold on to the ball and keep the offense on the field, then we score points."

Simple as that.