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Florida Football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2019

By John Mitchell

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators throws a wrist band to a fan following a victory over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators throws a wrist band to a fan following a victory over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

This has all the makings of a classic trap-game for Florida. Coming off what will certainly be an emotionally draining and physical matchup with LSU in Baton Rouge, Florida draws a road matchup with South Carolina right before a bye week separates what could be the de-facto SEC East Championship Game in Jacksonville against Georgia.

This could also be a vital game for Will Muschamp as he looks to build back up some momentum following last season’s disappointing finish. Another mediocre year could put the fiery head coach on the hot seat heading into 2020, and he won’t have the benefit of a seasoned veteran at quarterback then.

Williams-Brice Stadium has also been a tough venue for Florida to scrape out a win recently. It has won just one of the previous four meetings in Columbia.

With Bentley back in the fold, South Carolina’s offense could be good in 2019 if it can find a suitable replacement for Deebo Samuel’s production at receiver. Senior Bryan Edwards will shoulder the load, but guys like Shi Smith and Josh Vann should be able to take some pressure off of Edwards. A talented stable of running backs, led by Rico Dowdle, could be tough to deal with as well if a young offensive line comes together.

Oddly enough, it might all come down to if Muschamp can fix his broken defense in 2019. The Gamecocks finished 84th in the country in total defense last year, a far cry from a traditional Muschamp unit, and if they don’t make a significant stride forward, South Carolina is probably doomed for another mediocre season.

This could easily be a trap game for Florida, and while I think South Carolina might jump out to an early lead, look for the Gators to bounce back in the second half and escape with a narrow road victory.

Pick: Florida 34, South Carolina 30 (7-1, 4-1)

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