By Derek Phillips
South Carolina needed one big play to pull off its biggest upset at Williams-Brice Stadium. But, it was Florida who got the big play and escaped Columbia with a 24-14 victory over the Gamecocks.
Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia had just converted a fourth-and-two to end the third quarter, setting up the Gamecocks at the Florida 22.
Garcia's next pass sailed past intended receiver Moe Brown, deflected off a Florida defender's helmet, and into the arms of defensive end Justin Trattou. Trattou rumbled 53 yards down the sidelines ending the Gamecocks upset bid over the number one team in the country.
Thoughts of "Oh no, not again" raced through Gamecock fans' minds as Florida struck early. Quarterback Tim Tebow found a streaking Riley Cooper over the middle for a 68-yard touchdown putting the Gators on top 7-0.
Carolina was not going down without a fight. Running back Brian Maddox found the end zone from 1 yard out knotting the score at 7. Florida added a 32-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis to close out the first quarter.
The Gators continued to apply pressure on the Gamecocks as Emmanuel Moody broke two tackles and walked into the end zone from 17 yards out giving Florida a 17-7 advantage.
Carolina answered with a score of their own, when Garcia found tight end Weslye Saunders in the back corner of the end zone, leaving the score at 17-14 heading into halftime.
The third quarter was a battle of defenses. Florida only managed 33 yards while South Carolina gained just 50. The Gators had a few chances to put points on the board, but could not capitalize. Sturgis missed a 54-yard field goal, and Carolina stuffed Tebow on a fourth-and-one at the Carolina 28.
After Trattou's interception set up the Gators deep in Carolina territory, Tebow did what has done his entire career, close out games. His 1-yard plunge gave the Gators a lead they would not look back from.
The Gators defense proved in the fourth quarter why they were ranked number two in the country in total defense. Florida sacked Garcia four times, stifling any comeback chances the Gamecocks had in mind.
Joe Haden added the final dagger when he picked off a Garcia pass with two minutes left to play.
Tebow led the Gators completing 14 of 25 passes for 199 yards and one touchdown, while Garcia went 17 for 32 and 186 yards with a touchdown, but two costly interceptions.
Florida kept perfect record 10-0, and 8-0 in the SEC. This is the first time Florida has been undefeated in SEC play since Steve Spurrier's 1996 National Championship team.
Carolina falls to 6-5 overall, and 3-5 in conference play. The Gamecocks are riding a three-game losing streak as they head into a much needed bye week. They hope to salvage some confidence when they face rival Clemson Nov. 28 in Columbia.
Another loss and the Gamecocks might be on the outside looking in as far as receiving a bowl bid.
