USC Pick 3

Here are three key matchups for No. 24 South Carolina's game this afternoon at No. 3 Florida:

1Florida QB Tim Tebow vs. South Carolina defense

Regardless of all that speed abound, Gamecocks defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson says the conversation about Florida still comes back to Tebow. So that's where we'll start. He's been playing inspired ball during this five-game win streak. The kind that could get him back on the Heisman podium. Will Johnson mixing defensive looks and formations trip up Tebow? Just a little? Maybe? Hey, it can't be worse than last year, when the injury-rattled Gamecocks let Tebow score seven TDs and write his Heisman acceptance speech on the way.

2South Carolina offense vs. time of possession balance

To win, and perhaps to even compete with the Gators, South Carolina has to keep the ball for as long as possible. That's pretty simple to get. Florida is clearly the most explosive team the Gamecocks will see all season. Give them a minute, they'll go half a football field. So that's why holding the ball is so key. Problem is, USC could have trouble doing that. (Florida has given up 10 points in the past five first halves.) Real problem is, USC hasn't been able to consistently run the ball. It did late against Arkansas, but Arkansas and Florida are different defensive beasts.

3Florida special teams vs. USC coordinator Ray Rychleski

Having a specialized special teams coach? Not very common across the country. But, man, it's got to come in handy this week for USC. Rychleski, in his first year, has no doubt studied and studied UF's units in recent days. That's a frightening proposition. Like Steve Spurrier says, seems like the Gators block a punt every week or two (15 in Urban Meyer's three-plus years). They get to field goals, too (See: USC game in '06). They've also got one of the country's best return men, in Brandon James.

Outlook

We had this as a 12-point Gators win in July. We'll stick with it. Sure seems interesting that USC's coaches are painting the Gamecocks as Davids in this battle with the SEC East's Goliath. Every one of them this week has fawned over the Gators' talent and speed. Part of it's true, but the staff sure is laying it on thick. That's usually a sign that the coaches think they've got something for the opponent. Good news is, after such a month and a half, Florida's due for a letdown. (Gators already have East sewn up.) Bad news is, Florida on a bad day is still pretty doggone good. No shame here for USC, though. The Gamecocks keep it close.

Prediction

38-26

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