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Grading the keys; injury report
Posted on 11.16.08
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Grading the keys
FORCE FLORIDA TO PUT THE BALL ON THE GROUND
USC forced a pair of Gators’ fumbles in the first half, but had nothing to show for them. Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley caused the first turnover on Florida’s first possession when he popped Jeff Demps and Darian Stewart recovered. But USC’s offense went three-and-out, as it did after Eric Norwood’s recovery and 40-yard return in the second quarter.
Grade: B-minus.
NO BIG PLAYS BY THE GATORS’ SPECIAL TEAMS
USC gift-wrapped a turnover for Florida’s kickoff team on a botched, across-the-field lateral in the first quarter. Chris Hail failed to catch Dion LeCorn’s throwback, giving the Gators possession at the USC 1-yard line. The Gamecocks kept punt returner Brandon James bottled up until the second half, when James broke a 39-yard return. Patrick DiMarco’s tackle saved a touchdown.
Grade: D
DON’T ABANDON THE RUNNING GAME
When USC gave up three touchdowns in a 2:15 span to fall behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Steve Spurrier had no choice but to abandon the run. Trailing big, the Gamecocks threw nearly every play other than when they mixed in a draw or the protection broke down and Stephen Garcia or Chris Smelley had to scramble. USC finished with 25 running plays and 37 passes.
Grade: N/A.
—Joseph Person
Injury report
Right tackle Justin Sorensen left the game in the second half with a left hip injury. Cornerback Carlos Thomas injured his right knee covering a punt on the final play of the first half. Thomas played sparingly in the second half.
— Joseph Person
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