Continuing our look at the Gamecocks’ 2011 schedule, today preview Florida, the 2nd toughest game on the schedule.
Other Previews:
The Florida Gators come to Columbia for the SEC finale. The game will be at Williams-Brice on November 12. South Carolina will be looking for their first back to back wins in the series for the first time since the 1930s.
Why this game might be easier than expected: No one knows what to expect from the new coaching staff. If they’re not up to speed fast, the Gators could struggle. In fact, some prognosticators are saying that 8 wins would be a successful season for Florida so this is not your usual UF football squad.
Why this game might be harder than expected: Florida has had year after year of ridiculous recruiting classes. If the Coaches can utilize it properly, the Gators could be great.
Read more after the jump……
5 Points to consider:
1) It’s all about the coaches in Gainesville. Head Coach Will Muschamp was a well respected defensive coordinator in the SEC before his Texas stint. Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis is best remembered for not winning at Notre Dame. The jury is still out on his effectiveness as a college offensive coordinator.
2) Florida only returns four defensive starters and two of their top nine tacklers. It is hard to overstate the talent that has been recruited to step in. How quickly those players develop will be the story for the Gator defense.
3) John Brantley arrived as a highly touted quarterback who has mostly disappointed. Weis’s pro style offense may suit his talents better than Meyer’s offense did. Either way, this is Brantley’s last change to reach his potential.
4) If Georgia hasn’t wrapped up the East, this game will probably decide it again. It is the final SEC game for both teams, and both play a Southern Conference team the next week, so expect both teams’ best shot.
5) The biggest problem Florida could face all year may be the offensive line. Only 1 starter returns. That will make it hard for any offense to function, much less one with a new system.
Way too early prediction: There’s no way to predict a game like this: new schemes and tons of talent, so let’s say home field advantage makes the difference 20-17 USC.
