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Where has Florida football’s offense gone? Gators struggle again in loss to South Carolina

GAINESVILLE -- South Carolina handed No. 16 Florida a 38-19 defeat on homecoming Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, marking the second consecutive lopsided defeat for the Gators under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall.

Florida spent September climbing into the AP Top 10, but the team now stands at 4-2 overall following its second straight SEC loss. Florida had entered the contest as double-digit favorites before losing by 19 points in front of a stadium that was half-empty by the end of the game.

The Gamecocks snapped an eight-game SEC losing streak with the victory, securing their first conference win in 378 days and just their third all-time win at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It was also South Carolina's first true road victory under head coach Shane Beamer since they defeated Clemson in November 2024.

Following the matchup, Beamer noted that his squad had been close to turning the corner prior to securing the win.

Florida opened the scoring when Bailey Stockton caught a 59-yard touchdown pass, but the Gators' offense struggled to find a pulse overall, lacking the urgency displayed earlier in the season. For the second consecutive week, Florida's rushing attack deserted them, according to Yahoo Sports.

Florida surrendered three takeaways to South Carolina's defense, a significant blow for a Florida team that entered the matchup with only two takeaways all season, the fewest in the SEC.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers delivered a dominant performance, throwing four touchdown passes and rushing for another score. Sellers finished the day with 279 passing yards and five total touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Florida's defense continued to struggle, surrendering five touchdowns in the loss. Florida player Dylan Stewart returned to action for the South Carolina game after serving a suspension during the prior match against Missouri.

The loss highlights a swift turnaround for Florida, who wore throwback uniforms during the game to honor Steve Spurrier and the 1966 team. Following Florida's previous loss to Missouri, Sumrall had stated that there were 'no easy fixes'.

This report also draws on coverage from CBS Sports.

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