South Carolina swamps No. 16 Florida in Gainesville, ends 8-game SEC losing streak
By Andrew Olson
Published:
South Carolina ended an eight-game losing skid in conference play on Saturday, and let out some frustration in the process. No. 16 Florida was a double-digit home favorite, but got blown out at home by the Gamecocks 38-19, giving the Gators back-to-back lopsided losses.
The Gamecocks took a 17-10 lead into the locker room at halftime. Shane Beamer‘s team has struggled in the 3rd quarter this season, but won Saturday’s third period 14-3 to extend its lead from 7 points (17-10) to 18 (31-13).
Florida’s opening drive of the 3rd quarter put points on the board with a successful field goal. The Gators, though, could not get a rally going as their next 4 drives ended on a punt, a fumble, turnover on downs and an interception.
As the Gator offense faltered, the defense was unable to slow South Carolina. The Gamecocks scored touchdowns on 3 consecutive drives to extend the 4-point advantage to 25 points, sending Florida fans to the exits at The Swamp early.
LaNorris Sellers has had his share of ups and downs over the 2025 and ’26 seasons, but Saturday’s performance is sure to go on his NFL Draft tape. Sellers had a standout performance, throwing 4 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes to 8 different receivers for 279 yards. He also ran for a touchdown.
South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart had only logged 1 tackle in 2026 before serving a 1-game suspension. He returned to action Saturday and reminded everyone why he is considered one of the SEC’s most talented defenders. Stewart had an impactful performance, including 2 forced fumbles to go with 5 total tackles, including 4 solo stops with 1 sack and 1 TFL.
Florida lost the turnover battle 4-0. Gator starting quarterback Aaron Philo and backup Trammell Jones each threw interceptions, with Jones throwing a second late pick on a 2-point try. UF fumbled twice, with Philo losing one that ended a potential scoring drive.
UF’s star running back, Jadan Baugh, was again contained. His 15 carries for 59 yards were an improvement from Week 5 at Mizzou, but well short of the triple-digit performances he posted throughout the first month of the season.
Saturday’s defeat gives Florida back-to-back losses entering its toughest stretch of the season. Jon Sumrall‘s Gators play at No. 1 Texas in Week 7. After a Week 8 bye, Florida will play No. 2 Georgia in Atlanta.
South Carolina will be on a bye in Week 7. The Gamecocks return to action in Week 8 against Tennessee.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
