Instant Analysis: South Carolina-Florida

Steve Spurrier’s first return to the Swamp as South Carolina’s head coach was a lot more suspenseful than this one. After taking his alma mater to the wire in 2006, the Head Ball Coach had no answers on Saturday against Florida, as a fearsome defense removed any suspense from the proceedings while moving Urban Meyer’s Gators one step closer to their dream date with Alabama.

This romp in the Swamp was so decisive for Florida that Tim Tebow was relegated to the background. The Gators needed just 27 total yards to score two of their first three touchdowns, due to turnovers coaxed from an overwhelmed Gamecock team that never stood a chance. With a pick-six from linebacker Brandon Spikes added to the mix, Florida scored 21 points and built a three-touchdown bulge with Mr. Heisman not having to break a sweat. Point-producing defensive dominance enabled Meyer’s men to win another game with ease, staying fresh and fit for the stretch run of their season.

After their loss to Ole Miss, the wounded Gators had to wonder if they’d ever round into form in 2008. But with inspiration from Tebow, who—on the day of that defeat—guaranteed a big-league effort over the remainder of the season, this ballclub has followed its leader to full effect. Florida has answered the call of its Heisman wise-man to such a great degree that the Gators look like the hottest team in America not named Oklahoma.

For a week and a half, Florida will watch the Big 12’s best battle for BCS positioning. With this slaying of South Carolina under their belt, the Gators will gear up for Florida State on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. If they play anything remotely close to how they did today against their old coach, they’re likely to spank the Seminoles and set up that titantic tussle with the Tide.