Gamecocks defensive coordinator Clayton White addressed the media, Wednesday, just days after his unit failed to hold a double-digit lead against Florida.
White didn’t mince words when it came to the way his charges performed in the fourth quarter, “The way we finished the game is not the standard for any football team. Definitely, not here …. definitely disappointed.”
South Carolina held a 10-point lead following Spencer Rattler’s touchdown pass to Joshua Simon with 9:11 left to play. But the Gators posted back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives to overcome the deficit and swipe victory away from the Gamecocks. Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall proved to be a thorn in the Gamecocks’ side, accounting for 166 yards receiving, including 101 yards on the Gators’ final two scoring drives.
The USC defense had its troubles all afternoon, surrendering 423 yards through the air and failing to force a turnover. The Gamecocks hung tough on third down as Florida converted just 4 of 15 opportunities, but the Gators owned fourth down, converting 3 of 4 to spark the comeback.
After doing little to slow down the Tennessee or Florida attacks, South Carolina will next face a Missouri (6-1, 2-1) squad averaging better than 38 points/game in SEC play. The Tigers boast one of the best QB-to-WR connections in the conference with triggerman Brady Cook (71%, 2,054 yards and 14 TDs) and his favorite target Luther Burden III (56 catches, 808 yards and 5 TDs).
Kickoff from Columbia, Mo., is set for 3:30 p.m., Eastern.
