Can Florida’s Passing Game Have a Bounce-Back Saturday?
Florida quarterback Aaron Philo looks to bounce back when he faces a statistically subpar South Carolina pass defense Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
In No. 16 Florida’s (4-1, 2-1 SEC) loss to Missouri last week, Philo posted season lows in completion percentage (61.8%) and yards per attempt (5.8). South Carolina (2-3, 0-3) has had one of the worst pass defenses in the SEC, offering Philo a favorable rebound opportunity.
“When things are not going the way you want, what you do next says more about you than maybe when things are going really well,” Florida coach Jon Sumrall said Monday.
The Gamecocks find themselves at the bottom of the SEC standings largely because of their vulnerable pass defense. They have allowed the most passing touchdowns (13), fifth-most yards per game (231.2) and second-highest completion percentage (65.8) among the SEC. On top of that, South Carolina has the 22nd lowest PFF coverage grade nationally and third lowest in the SEC.
In particular, South Carolina has struggled against SEC opponents. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 71.3% of passes while averaging 296 yards and almost four touchdowns per game through South Carolina’s three SEC matchups. South Carolina’s worst performance came in Week 4 when it allowed Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell to complete 21-of-27 passes for 365 yards and four touchdowns, the nation’s seventh-most passing yards that week.
Additionally, the Gamecocks have been susceptible to play action in SEC play. Against play action, they have given up more than 164 yards per game, 12 yards per attempt and three touchdowns per game while allowing opponents to complete 75.6% of their passes, according to PFF.
Meanwhile, Philo has been efficient in play action. On play-action plays, he has amassed more than 104 yards per game, 10.5 yards per attempt and a touchdown per game while completing 66% of his passes, according to PFF.
Florida’s receiving corps will also look to rebound from last week. Dallas Wilson, TJ Abrams and Bailey Stockton were the only wide receivers who recorded more than one reception.
South Carolina has allowed three players to amass at least 50 receiving yards in all of its SEC matchups, something Florida’s pass catchers are yet to accomplish. South Carolina has also allowed at least three different players to catch a touchdown in all of its SEC matchups.
Senior wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. in particular could use a successful Saturday, coming into the matchup with only two catches.
“He’s definitely not full speed. You could see that Saturday,” Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said Tuesday. “But, the fact that he’s going out there because he knows we’re down says everything you need to know about the kid.”
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