South Carolina Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Florida in Week 8

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COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

1. The play of Ryan Hilinski or Dakereon Joyner

At the end of the first half in last week’s victory over Georgia, Ryan Hilinski went out with a knee injury. Dakereon Joyner came into the game and the offense looked completely different. The big throw downfield was completely removed from the playbook. Joyner was limited to handoffs, designed quarterback runs, and short route passes.

Coach Will Muschamp has said that Hilinski has not been limited at all in practice. He is taking reps with the first team and looks to be a go for the start of the game. However, the injury report has left some scratching their heads under Muschamp’s tenor so most fans are optimistic but won’t be fully satisfied until Hilinski is under center for the first snap of the game.

If Hilinski doesn’t get the start, the Gamecocks are going to have to open up the playbook and let Joyner make plays. Limiting the field to 15 yards and in will allow a great Gators defense to feast on you all day.

Assuming Hilinski gets the start, he will need to win the battle over the secondary for the Gators. Their team is filled with ball hawkers and Shawn Davis leads the way with 3 interceptions. A slue of other Gators have more than one interception. The team as a whole, leads the nation with 12 total picks.

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If Hilinski can make the correct reads and get it to the play makers out wide, South Carolina stands a chance to win another big game in consecutive weeks.