Game Day: Florida at South Carolina (SEC Network, 7:30 pm) - Florida Gators

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Back on Oct. 16, the 20th-ranked Florida Gators got trampled at Louisiana State, as Tigers tailback Tyrion Davis-Price rushed 36 times for 287 yards and three touchdowns. The performance was a school single-game record by an LSU runner, as well as the most ever gained by a back against a Gators defense. 

The main takeaway that afternoon (and on into the ensuing bye week) focused mostly on the Florida defense and its inability to stop the Tigers' relatively basic ground game. Fair enough. 

But an equally alarming issue — and far less talked about — were the four UF turnovers that day. The first three all led to the touchdowns, including a pick-6 interception return. The last one came inside two minutes remaining and allowed the Tigers to run out the clock. 

The Florida defense that day forced no turnovers and exited the game with a minus-7 ratio for the season that placed the Gators 113th in the country. 

And yet the done was "defense, defense, defense." 

Well, there was no debate as to the collective death blow turnovers caused in last week's 34-7 loss to Georgia. Redshirt freshman quarterback Anthony Richardson, making his first career start, had three (a fumble and two interceptions, including a pick-6) in the final 2:20 of the first half to completely break open what was a 3-0 game. Each came deep in Florida territory and basically gift-wrapped touchdowns for the Bulldogs. 

This week, it's been "turnovers, turnovers, turnovers." 

If the Gators (4-4, 2-4) are going to right their orange-and-blue ship and make something out of the rest of the 2021 season they better make ball-security a priority; and they better make good on a commitment to it starting with Saturday night's Southeastern Conference road date at South Carolina (4-4, 1-3).

[Read senior writer Scott Carter's comprehensive "Opening Kickoff" setup here]

If Florida can manage to curtail its generosity in this game it will have accomplished something. Yes, the Gamecocks have mostly struggled this season, especially in SEC play, but their defense ranks a respectable 39th overall nationally, as well as 12th in passing yards allowed (177.5). They's also — get this — No. 1 in the league in forcing turnovers with six fumbles and 11 interceptions. That's three more fumbles than the UF defense has forced this season and nearly twice as many interceptions as the Gators' six. USC safety Jaylan Foster has five interceptions himself. 

South Carolina's defense, which ranks first in the SEC in turnovers forced, is led by ball-hawking safety Jaylan Foster (12), with his five interceptions.

On the other side of the ball, the Florida quarterback situation likely won't be revealed until game time, but whether Coach Dan Mullen stays with Richardson (5 interceptions in just 57 attempts, plus a fumble) or goes back to senior Emory Jones (9 in 190 attempts) or plays both, the self-destruction needs to cease. 

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network, with Taylor Zarzour on play-by-play, Matt Stinchcomb providing analysis and Alyssa Lang working the sidelines. For radio and television broadcast info, click here. The game will be replayed Monday at 12 a.m. and Thursday at 12 p.m., both on the SEC Network.

Also, check out an abbreviated version of the"1st & 10 Pre-Game Show," hosted by Jeff Cardozo via the Florida Gators Facebook page, starting at 6 p.m. 

Finally, follow senior staff writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete coverage content from the game late Saturday night and fresh content Sunday, also.

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Game Day: Florida at South Carolina (SEC Network, 7:30 pm) - Florida Gators
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