Florida vs South Carolina Halftime Update: Gators take 10-point lead into locker room

The Florida Gators lead the South Carolina Gamecocks after 30 minutes of play at The Swamp by a score of 24-14 thanks to some solid play.

The Florida Gators lead the South Carolina Gamecocks after 30 minutes of play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., by a score of 24-14 thanks to some solid play by the home team led by the two Kyles.

Florida’s offense looked mostly sharp in the first half, with the exception of a couple of dropped passes and a costly fumble that led to South Carolina’s second touchdown. Additionally, the defense still might have something to be desired after getting bowled over on the Gamecocks’ opening drive, but appeared to get their footing later on in the half.

Nonetheless, the Gators took a 10-point lead into the locker room well on their way to victory if they can continue their trajectory. Here is a look at some highlights and notes from the opening half.

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First Half Highlights

  • Before kickoff, the Gators took a knee in the end zone in recognition of those killed by police in a display of solidarity with social justice movements;

  • Florida won the toss and elected to defer the opening kickoff, giving the Gamecocks the ball first to open the game;

  • South Carolina marched 75 yards down the field on 12 plays to open the game with a touchdown, with the Gators’ defense looking porous — Donovan Stiner missed one tackle and got bowled over on another during a drive that only had one third down;
  • Florida answered back with a 75-yard drive of their own on eight plays, taking only 4:19 off the clock in the process as Trask went 3-for-3 passing and Dameon Pierce carried the ball five times for 27 yards and a TD;

  • After forcing a three-and-out possession for South Carolina the second time around, Florida drove 69 yards on five plays finishing with the Kyle-to-Kyle connection for the TD and the lead;

  • Florida forced a punt on the Gamecocks’ next possession but coughted up a fumble on the first play afterwards, leading to South Carolina’s second touchdown and final score of the half;
  • True freshman Xavier Henderson makes 19-yard catch on a 54-yard drive that resulted in a field goal after a failed third-and-goal play by Kyle Trask;
  • Trent Whittemore also made a nice 26-yard reception on Florida’s second touchdown drive;

  • Florida’s defense toughened up on SC’s last drive of half which lasted only 0:19, including sack which led to Florida’s third touchdown on the day;
  • And that third touchdown landed in the hands of Kyle Pitts with a little over a minute to go.

First Half Notes

  • Both teams dropped some passes that should have been caught;
  • Florida’s offense featured a balanced attack, including a tidy little option run by Trask with 2 minutes left to extend the scoring drive;
  • Pitts has caught a touchdown in each of the last six quarters played.

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