Quick slant: The Gators are 17-2 at home in the series, losing in 2010 and 2014 to Steve Spurrier\u2019s Gamecocks. Florida is 32-5 in homecoming games since 1989, last losing in 2018 to Missouri 38-17<\/a>.<\/p>\n About South Carolina (2-3, 0-3): The Gamecocks are on an eight-game SEC losing streak, featuring leads in the last five<\/a>, as criticism of Beamer intensifies in Columbia. South Carolina\u2019s top-end talent is undeniable. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers<\/a>, receiver Nyck Harbor and defensive end Dylan Stewart are rare specimens, yet each has been inconsistent and unreliable. Stewart\u2019s potential return from a one-game suspension for fighting Sept. 26 at Alabama would provide edge pressure to disrupt Florida\u2019s offense. Linebacker Justin Okoronkwo, who is fourth in the SEC with 24 solo tackles, must be accounted for in the run game after the Gators rushed for just 42 yards during a 45-17 loss at Missouri<\/a>.<\/p>\n About No. 16 UF (4-1, 2-1): Coordinator Buster Faulkner<\/a> said his offense must turn a 17-point day at Missouri<\/a> into \u201cthe outlier.\u201d The Gators will need it to be unless their defense \u2014 No. 15 in the SEC \u2014 can emerge. Florida\u2019s cornerbacks have particularly struggled, but Sellers can be an erratic passer. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. Vernell Brown III\u2019s possible return<\/a> \u2014 he\u2019s questionable with a knee injury \u2014 would provide a lift at receiver and punt returner. Defensively, linebacker Myles Graham aims to move past a tough day at Missouri, where he had just one solo stop.<\/p>\n Three things to watch<\/p>\n 1. Beamer\u2019s acumen in the game\u2019s third phase comes from father, Hall of Famer Frank Beamer, whose Virginia Tech teams won games by blocking kicks and using trick plays. The Gators need to be on guard.<\/p>\n 2. Florida\u2019s explosive sophomore defender Jayden Woods continues to develop technique and recognition off the edge. Consistent pressure from Woods and Co. would help a struggling secondary.<\/p>\n 3. During the Missouri loss, Florida failed to create a turnover for the first time in 2026 but still boasts a plus-four margin. South Carolina has generated two turnovers and committed eight. The minus-six margin ties with Oklahoma for last in the SEC.<\/p>\n![\"Against](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TOS-L-FloridaCampbellFootball15464_bafbab.jpg\")
Against South Carolina, Florida’s Jayden Woods (0) looks to add to his four sacks in 2026. Stephen M. Dowell\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n