This time, it was good that Will Muschamp didn’t bring a lot of offense to Florida Field.
Muschamp, the former coach of the Florida Gators, couldn’t muster much an attack in his return to Gainesville Saturday. His South Carolina Gamecocks gained only 256 yards in a 20-7 loss to the Gators. Florida, despite two fumbles and an interception, built a quick lead and won comfortably.
The Gators are now 7-2 and in the lead of the SEC East. They can win it outright next week against LSU. Because Tennessee beat Kentucky Saturday, the Gators may have to beat the Tigers to reach the SEC title game.
South Carolina was able to run for only 43 yards.
For Florida, running back Jordan Scarlett rushed for 134 yards.
“Those young guys went ahead and played their tale off,”Florida coach Jim McElwain said on CBS after the win. “I’m just happy for these guys, this is a great group of guys to be around they’re a lot of fun to be around. They play hard. We just have to play a little better.”
Appleby was efficient, hitting 17 of 21 passes for 201 yards.
“He did alright,” McElwain said about Appleby. “We’re going to be back to work and get up tomorrow and put a plan together. That’s what it’s all about.”
