South Carolina’s comeback came up a bit short last Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Gamecocks trailed 21-7 early in the second half, but credit goes to new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo for making the necessary halftime adjustments.

South Carolina dropped its second straight opening game, the first time starting 0-1 in back-to-back seasons for the 1st time since 1994-1995. The road doesn’t get easier as Gamecocks travel to The Swamp to face 3rd ranked Florida Gators.

Dan Mullen has Florida’s offense humming like a 1994 Spurrier-led team as Kyle Trask racked up 6 TD passes in Oxford, Miss. last Saturday. Defensively, Florida allowed 35 points and over 600 yards of offense in Lane Kiffin’s debut with the Ole Miss Rebels.

So how can the Gamecocks overcome a nearly 3-touchdown spread?

First of all, South Carolina HAS to find a legitimate 2nd threat at the receiver spot. Shi Smith did accumulate 140 yards receiving on Saturday, but quarterback Collin Hill struggled to spread the ball around in the first half.

If the Gamecocks struggle to consistently score points in Gainesville, Florida’s offense will put this 1 away by halftime. Whether it’s Xavier

Leggette, Dakereon Joyner or even Luke Doty, Bobo and company will need to stretch the field vertically early against the Gators to build offensive momentum.

Defensively, it is imperative to get Israel Mukuamu back on the field.

After his groin injury on Saturday night, his replacement was targeted multiple times and came out on the wrong side more often than not.

The Gamecocks will need Mukuamu as I believe is the best player to cover Florida tight end Mike Pitts. Pitts accounted for eight receptions, 170 yards, and 4 TDs on Saturday afternoon. No other Gator receiver amassed more than 65 yards.

It’s easier said than done, but Mukuamu may be the only one who can play man coverage without safety help over the top.

Look for Hill to continue the progression we saw in the 2nd half of the contest against Tennessee. However, South Carolina doesn’t enough offense or proven ability on defense, to be in this game past the second quarter. Gators win going away 48-20.

Lexington County Blowfish assistant general manager Justin Hall, radio host Rob Thomas and former University of South Carolina wide receiver Tim Frisby co-host “The 5th Quarter Post-Game Show” following Gamecock games on WVOC (103.5 FM or 560 AM). All South Carolina football games can be heard on WNKT (107.5 FM). In addition, Hall is the new co-host of the Love Chevrolet High School Football Show, also on WNKT.