USC 14 - Florida 24: Thoughts on Loss #7
First Losing Season Since 2003 is Confirmed
This wasn't at all unexpected, but with the 7th loss in 10 games the Gamecocks have now assured their worst season since going 5-7 in both 2002 and 2003. Also with the loss the Gamecocks finish their SEC schedule 1-7, good for dead last in the SEC East and the worst conference record in the SEC.
The Gamecocks take the field in front of an anemic crowd on November 14, 2015.
I was very disappointed in the crowd and overall energy in Williams-Brice on Saturday. I realize that this was another noon kick-off among several this season, and the product on the field has been a huge let down, but I also remember sitting through 1-21 in 1998-1999. I don't recall the crowd being anywhere near as lackluster in the midst of those dark days, although I will freely admit that the passage of time may have dulled my memory. South Carolina fans used to be regarded as the best in the nation, with 80,000+ showing up every Saturday win or lose. I fear that recent successes may have spoiled us.
As for the game itself, the final score makes this one seem way closer than it really was. The offense was beyond atrocious, both the playcalling and the execution. Florida is probably the best defense we have or will face this year, but having only 43 yards of total offense (and only 2 yards rushing) at the end of the 3rd quarter is inexcusable. We had 159 yards and 2 TDs in the 4th quarter, and the playcalling was noticeably better and more aggressive as time became limited, but it was another instance of too little too late. The defense played very well considering that the offense put them on the field the entire game. Florida is not a good offensive team by stretch of the imagination, but holding a team to 3.4 yards / carry on 43 carries and 17 points through 3 quarters is not a terrible performance. 3rd down defense could definitely have been better, but the defense had us in position to potentially win late in the 4th quarter before giving up the long run to Taylor. That left us here: with 7 losses and another one to our fiercest rival likely on the horizon.
Watch the entire game again below: