Florida Takes Early Lead Against South Carolina in SEC Matchup

No. 16 Florida opened an SEC football matchup against South Carolina with an early touchdown Saturday, October 10, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators took a 7-0 lead after Aaron Philo connected with Bailey Stockton for a 59-yard score, while the visiting Gamecocks missed a field goal as they pursued their first conference victory of the season.

According to WIS-TV, both teams punted on their opening possessions before Florida broke the deadlock. South Carolina advanced into scoring range on its next drive, but Malik Orson missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, leaving the Gamecocks without points a little more than halfway through the first quarter.

The game aired on SEC Network, with streaming options available through ESPN Unlimited, DIRECTV and Fubo, according to OregonLive and AL.com. The scheduled kickoff was 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time, 11:45 a.m.

Central Time and 9:45 a.m. Pacific Time.

Florida entered the contest with a 4-1 record, while South Carolina stood at 2-3, according to the published game previews. The Gators were looking to rebound from a 45-17 defeat against No. 14 Missouri, their first loss of the season.

South Carolina arrived in Gainesville after three consecutive defeats, including a 35-34 overtime loss to then-ranked Kentucky. That result left the Gamecocks still seeking their first SEC win of the season, according to WIS-TV and AL.com.

Florida running back Jadan Baugh was a key player to watch entering the matchup. AL.com reported that he had rushed for 11 touchdowns and more than 600 yards during the season, averaging six yards per carry.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was another important offensive contributor. According to AL.com, Sellers had accounted for nine touchdowns and accumulated more than 1,400 total yards entering the game.

Despite Florida's recent loss, the Gators had recorded notable victories earlier in the season, including a dominant win over No. 9 Ole Miss and a road victory against Auburn, according to WIS-TV. Those results formed part of Florida's 4-1 record before the South Carolina matchup.

The October 10 contest marked the 45th meeting between Florida and South Carolina, according to WIS-TV. Florida held a 31-10-3 advantage in the all-time series and had won 17 of the 19 previous games played in Gainesville.

WIS-TV described its coverage as a developing story after Florida's early touchdown and South Carolina's missed field goal. The initial report documented the Gators' 7-0 advantage and the Gamecocks' unsuccessful attempt to get on the scoreboard.