FINAL -Florida Gators 41 at South Carolina Gamecocks 39. 10/14/2023 3:30 pm

Florida Gators at South Carolina
October 14 // 3:30 p.m. ET // Columbia, S.C.
Williams-Brice Stadium (77,559

SEC Network
Play-by-Play: Taylor Zarzour
Analyst: Matt Stinchcomb
Reporter: Alyssa Lang
Channel (Cox): 68 / 1068 [HD]
Chann

Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD
Play-by-Play: Sean Kelley
Analyst: Shane Matthews
Reporter: Tate Casey
Channel: Local Affiliates
SiriusXM Channel: 134 or 192

TEAM INFORMATION
FLORIDA
Head Coach: Billy Napier
Career Record: 50-21 (27-5 Sun Belt) [5th season]
Record at UF: 10-9 (5-6 SEC) [2nd season]
Record vs. SC: 1-0
Rankings: NR (AP) / NR (Coaches)
2022 Record: 6-7, 3-5 SEC (T-4th East)

SOUTH CAROLINA
Head Coach: Shane Beamer
Career Record: 17-14 (8-11 SEC) [3rd season]
Record at USC: same
Record vs. UF: 1-0
Rankings: RV (AP) / RV (Coaches)
2021 Record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

 

• 1125 George Rogers Blvd., University of SC Columbia, SC 29201
• (803) 254-2950

Home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks is Williams-Brice Stadium, recognized as one of the finest facilities in all of college football. Carolina annually ranks among the nation's leaders in attendance and Gamecock fans are regarded as some of the most loyal in the country.

Williams-Brice Stadium, formerly Carolina Stadium, was first constructed in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Then it seated 17,600. It has undergone a number of expansions and revisions over the years, with the largest prior to the 1982 expansion coming in 1971-72. A bequest from the estate of Mrs. Martha Williams Brice helped boost the capacity then from slightly more than 43,000 to more than 54,000.

Mrs. Brice's husband, Thomas H. Brice, was a Gamecock football letterman, 1922-24, and her family operated the Williams furniture Company in Sumter. She left a substantial inheritance from the Williams Furniture fortune to her nephews, Thomas W. and Phillip L. Edwards, much of which they passed on to the University of South Carolina. That included a bequest for the stadium project.

The name was officially changed from Carolina Stadium to Williams-Brice Stadium in dedication ceremonies during the September 9, 1972 opener with Virginia.

Williams-Brice Stadium Facts
- First constructed in 1934, Williams-Brice Stadium has a seating capacity of 80,250

- Over the past five years, Carolina has sold out all of its home games prior to the beginning of the season

- USC consistently ranks among the top 12 in the nation in home attendance

- Nearly $30 million of improvements and renovations have taken place at Williams-Brice Stadium over the past 10 years

- The Zone features an 11,000-square foot banquet facility and provides fans with a fantastic view from the South End Zone

- The premium seating and executive suites at the stadium are among the finest in college football

- First game as Carolina Stadium was on September 23, 1934. (USC 25, Erskine 0)

- Dedicated as Williams-Brice Stadium on September 9, 1972. (Virginia 24, USC 16)

Capacity: 80,250
Playing Surface: Natural Grass


STADIUM POLICIES

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Fans are encouraged not to bring any type of bag inside Williams-Brice Stadium during games; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:

One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" -- A logo no larger than 4.5" x 3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
--OR--
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
--AND--
Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand)
An exception may be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at West Premium Gate 21, Southeast Gate 55 and East Gate 81.
PROHIBITED ITEMS

Purses larger than a clutch bag (4.5" x 6.5"), briefcases, backpacks, and cinch bags of any kind, fanny packs, luggage of any kind, computer bags/cases, camera bags/cases, binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size (12" x 6" x 12") -- Clear Bag Policy
Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks (exception: 1 sealed bottle of water per person)
Food of any kind
Video cameras, tripods, recording devices, detachable camera lenses over 6", selfie sticks
Weapons/concealed weapons
Alcoholic beverages
Containers of any kind
Aerosol and spray cans
Umbrellas
Mace/pepper spray
Animals (except service animals)
Laser lights, strobe lights and pointers
Irritants such as artificial noisemakers
Fireworks/explosives
Inflatables (beach balls, etc.)
Flags and flagpoles, unauthorized banners or posters
Strollers
Illegal drugs
Seat cushions that include pockets, zippers, compartments or covers
Personal seatbacks with armrests
Masks of any kind
Drones
Other items that in the judgement of stadium management pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons


AIRCRAFT AND DRONE POLICY

The University of South Carolina Athletics Department asks that you please adhere to the following FAA policies, per the NOTAM document concerning flight restrictions for sporting events.

No flight operation may take place within 3 nautical miles, nor up to 3,000 feet around the perimeter of the stadium, from one hour prior to the start of the event until one hour after its completion. These restrictions also apply to all unmanned or remote controlled Drone aircrafts. Failure to comply with these restrictions will result in the appropriate legal response from law enforcement officials.

STADIUM ELEVATORS

Individuals with disabilities may use the elevators located throughout Williams-Brice Stadium (see stadium diagram for elevator locations).

STADIUM GATES

Early gates (West Premium Gate WP21, The Zone Z48, East Pass Gate E70, and Student Gate ST96) will open two hours prior to kickoff. All other gates will 1-1/2 hours prior to kickoff. Be advised that all persons, upon entering property/stadium, consent to a search of their person and property at the time of entry and during their stay on the premises. Williams-Brice Stadium has a no-re-entry policy; tickets can only be scanned for use once.

STADIUM TICKETS, REFUNDS/RESALES

The Ticket Office is located in the Bignon Gameday Center, adjacent to the Northeast entrance of the Springs Brooks Plaza at Williams-Brice Stadium. Tickets cannot be resold on any University-controlled grounds, including, but not limited to, Williams-Brice Stadium, the Springs Brooks Plaza and Gamecock Park. Lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets are not the responsibility of management. There is a NO refund or exchange policy in effect on all tickets. Management reserves the right to refuse admission. Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to the event. The holder must present ticket upon request. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to be familiar with all ticket usage rules and regulations, which can be found on the back of each ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office if available.

TOBACCO POLICY

The University of South Carolina is a tobacco-free campus. The policy, which includes the ban of electronic cigarettes, is in effect at all University of South Carolina facilities, as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. These restrictions apply to all areas of Williams-Brice Stadium. We request and appreciate your adherence and compliance with this University policy; violators are subject to ejection.

WILL CALL

The South Carolina Athletics Ticket Office WILL CALL will be open four hours prior to game time. Will Call is located on the northeast corner of the Springs Brooks Plaza, in the Bignon Gameday Center, adjacent to the East gates.

BEVERAGE POLICY (ALCOHOL)

The possession or consumption of alcohol of any kind in Williams-Brice Stadium is expressly prohibited by University policy. Patrons in violation will be ejected and may be subject to arrest. In an effort to encourage an enjoyable experience for all fans, persons who are intoxicated will be denied entry into the stadium, regardless of ticket possession.

BUSES

Buses will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Drivers should use the entrance located at Gate 12 on Rosewood Drive.

CATERERS

Caterers should have proper parking permits to be admitted to private tailgate areas. Permits will not be available from Gamecock Club offices and should be secured with the client.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather approaching Williams-Brice Stadium, public address and video announcements will be made to update fans on the situation. Should a lightning strike occur within 8 miles of the stadium, play will be stopped immediately. Play will resume 30 minutes after the last strike occurs within the 8-mile threat radius. Fans are encouraged to exit the venue and seek shelter in their vehicles during weather delays. All ticket stubs should be kept for re-entry into the stadium after the weather threat has cleared. Updates may also be communicated via 107.5 The Game, GamecocksOnline, Twitter, and Facebook.

DISABLED PARKING SERVICES

Golf cart shuttle service from the Fairgrounds will be available for those with disabilities beginning 2-1/2 hours before kickoff and will continue until the game begins. The pickup location is located in the Fairgrounds white section by row 10 nearest the South Carolina State Fairgrounds entrance. The golf cart shuttles will transport guests to the north corners of Williams-Brice Stadium.

Golf cart shuttle service from Gamecock Park will be available for those with disabilities beginning 2-1/2 hours before kickoff and will continue until the game begins. Pickup locations are located along the Garnet Way at Quads 1 and 3. Golf cart shuttle transportation to the stadium plaza is available up to one hour prior to kickoff, or as traffic permits, at which point guests will be dropped off at the Premium North location of Gamecock Park.

Return transportation for those with disabilities to the Fairgrounds and Gamecock Park will also be available after the game. Return service begins with five minutes left in the event, until there is no one waiting at the golf cart shuttle stations. Be advised that both pedestrian and vehicular traffic are extremely heavy following the game; therefore, the wait time for golf cart shuttles may be extensive.

There are a limited number of spaces available for disabled Gamecock Club members in each lot. Requests for disabled parking should be made in writing, and accompanied with a copy of the state-issued handicapped placard, to South Carolina Department of Athletics, Football Game Parking, 1304 Heyward St., Columbia, SC 29208.

Disabled parking services are subject to change, visit GamecocksOnline.com for up to date information.

GAME DAY SHUTTLES

Pregame shuttle buses will pick up fans from the Colonial Life Arena parking lot and transport them to the main gate of the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. At the conclusion of the game, the shuttle bus will pick up from the main gate of the Fairgrounds and transport patrons back to CLA.

Service begins 3 hours prior to kickoff
$3 per person for a round trip ticket, free to USC students with Carolina Card
Service runs until 1-1/2 hours after the game with limited service throughout the game
Shuttle services are subject to change, visit GamecocksOnline.com for up to date information.

GOLF CARTS, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS

For the safety of all concerned, the use of these motorized vehicles (other than those authorized) will not be allowed by fans in the vicinity of the stadium on game days. As a reminder, S.C. highway laws do not allow the use of golf carts on roadways outside of a four-mile radius from the registered address or place of business of the registered operator and must be permitted by the S.C Department of Motor Vehicles.

GUEST SERVICES

For any guest service needs, please visit the garnet and black kiosks situated conveniently in and around Williams-Brice Stadium at the following locations:

Inside Williams-Brice Stadium
North Side - Lower level/ Section 32
South Side - Lower level/ Section 14
East Side - Ground level/ Section 22
East Upper - 400/500 level/ Section 507
South Upper - 900 level/ Section 903
West Side - West Main/ Section 4
West Upper - 300 level/ Section 303

Outside Williams-Brice Stadium
Plaza outside West Premium Gates
Plaza outside The Zone
Plaza outside the SE Entrance
Plaza outside the NE Entrance
Plaza outside the NW Entrance

LIABILITY

Neither the University of South Carolina nor the Gamecock Club will be liable for loss or damage to vehicles parked or contents on South Carolina properties as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University.

LIMOUSINES

Due to space constraints, limousines are not allowed in Gamecock Club controlled parking areas. Drivers should drop off guests on Key Road, near Williams-Brice Stadium, and seek parking in public lots made available by area businesses.

MEDIA PARKING

Media parking is located on Key Road. Members of the media should request parking credentials from the University of South Carolina Athletics Media Relations Office. For more information, please call 803-777-5204.

RV PARKING

RV Parking is available in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds located on the east side of Assembly St. and at Gate 12 on Rosewood Drive. Please call the Fairgrounds for specifics at 803-799-3387.

PARKING LOTS

The gates to lots within Gamecock Park will open six hours prior to kickoff, but no earlier than 8 a.m. All other parking lot gates will open five hours prior to kickoff, but no earlier than 8 a.m. Vehicles should be removed no later than two hours after the conclusion of the game, or risk being locked in until the following business day.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms will be available for use once parking lots open in Gamecock Park, along the Garnet Way, and throughout the Fairgrounds. Restrooms are also located on the east side of the Springs Brooks Plaza at Williams-Brice Stadium.

SECURITY

The University of South Carolina makes every attempt to ensure fans are able to enjoy the festivities surrounding the game. If you observe threatening or illegal behavior, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement or event staff security. If you see something, say something. Uniformed officers from various law enforcement agencies, and event staff security, are stationed throughout the tailgating areas, game day facilities, and Williams-Brice Stadium for your safety. Game day law enforcement personnel are coordinated by the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety and can be contacted at (803) 777-4215 or text "USC" along with your issue and location to 69050.

 

NUMBERS OF NOTE
38​

The Gators have scored exactly 38 points in each of their last three victories against South Carolina.

80​

In Week 6 vs. Vanderbilt, QB Graham Mertz (30-for-36, 83% comp.) joined Tim Tebow (2010 vs. Cincinnati) as the only Florida quarterbacks to complete 80.0% of his passes or better on 35 attempts or more since 1996.

 

THE STORYLINE​

• Week 7 marks the 44th meeting between Florida and South Carolina including the 22nd matchup in Columbia.

• Florida owns a 30-10-3 series lead and commands a 12-8-1 advantage over the Gamecocks on the road.

• The Gators are 25-7 vs. the Gamecocks since 1964 and 10-5 in the last 15 games in Columbia since 1993.

• Despite that track record, the Gators have dropped four of their last six contests at South Carolina.

• In last year’s 38-6 drubbing, Florida posted its largest margin of victory (+32) in an SEC game of the Billy Napier era.

• Florida’s 374 net rushing yards in the 2022 victory over USC marked the team’s highest SEC total in eight seasons.

• The performance marked UF’s third-highest rushing total in an SEC game since 1996, as running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (24 carries, 161 yards, one touchdown) and Trevor Etienne (eight carries, 100 yards, one touchdown)
both eclipsed 100 yards on the ground while QB Anthony Richardson scored and rushed for 96 yards.

• Each of the last eight matchups in the series dating back to 2015 has been decided by eight or more points.

• The last two games were won by an average of 27.5 points by the home team (2021: SC 40, UF 17 | 2022: UF 38, SC 6).

• Florida has scored exactly 38 points in each of its last three wins over South Carolina (2019, 2020, 2022).

• HC Billy Napier posted his 50th career victory including his 10th at the helm of the Gators in Week 6, becoming the 10th coach with 50 or more wins since the start of the 2018 season: Nick Saban (66), Kirby Smart (65), Dabo Swinney (63), Lincoln Riley (59), Luke Fickell (57), Brian Kelly (58), Jim Harbaugh (51), Ryan Day (50) and Josh Heupel (50).

• QB Graham Mertz has completed 70% of his passes or better in each of his first six starts as a Gator - only Florida quarterback to accomplish the feat in six consecutive games across the past 20 seasons.

• Mertz has completed 80.0% of his passes (140-for-175), which leads the SEC and ranks second nationally behind Oregon’s Bo Nix (80.4%).

• In year one under DC Austin Armstrong, Florida ranks third in the SEC, 12th in the P5 and 16th in the FBS in total defense with 286.2 yards allowed per game. Through six games last year, UF had allowed 412.8 yards per game.

• Florida boasts the top passing defense in the SEC (166.0), ranking 11th in the FBS and eighth in the P5.

• The Gators have limited teams to 16.8 points per game (18th in FBS), a 12.1-point improvement from 2022 (28.9).

• Conversely, South Carolina ranks 14th in the FBS in passing offense (312.2) while averaging 27.0 PPG and 399.2 YPG.

• The Gators have won 13 of their last 15 games in The Swamp (including eight of nine), but have fallen in 13 of their last 14 contests outside The Swamp and are 1-10 in their last 11 true road games.

• Florida has scored in 442 consecutive games dating back to 1988 - an NCAA record and 54 games longer than any other college football team in the history of the sport.

 

​

THE OPENING DRIVE (WEEK 6 vs. VANDERBILT)​

• Florida improved to 22-1 against Vanderbilt in Gainesville since 1960, holding an active five-game winning streak in the series. Meanwhile, Florida rose to 31-2 overall against Vanderbilt since 1989.

• RB Montrell Johnson Jr. eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards with 135 yards on 18 carries (7.5 YPC) and one
touchdown, posting the seventh 100-yard rushing game of his career and his fifth as a Gator.

• QB Graham Mertz joined Tim Tebow (2010 vs. Cincinnati) as the only Florida quarterbacks to complete 80.0% of his passes or better on 35 attempts or more since 1996.

• This is just the sixth time a Florida quarterback has completed at least 80% of his passes and thrown three touchdowns since 1996 and the first since Emory Jones vs. Samford on Nov. 13, 2021.

• Vanderbilt scored on its third drive of the game, marking the end of a 31-drive streak without points in The Swamp dating back to 2017

 

THE GRAHAM MERTZ FILES​

• QB Graham Mertz leads the SEC with a 80% completion percentage entering Week 6, ranking second in the FBS.

• Mertz has started all 38 games he has played in since 2020, tied for seventh among FBS quarterbacks.

• Mertz ranks 21st in the FBS and 15th in the Power Five with a 164.6 passer rating. He has been above 150.0 in five-straight games and has four performances above 165.0 in six games this season.

• Mertz’s 164.6 rating is in line to be the highest by a UF quarterback since Kyle Trask in 2020, while ranking eighth all-time in single-season program history (second-highest since Tebow in 2009).

• Mertz finished 30-for-36 for 254 yards and three touchdowns (Gators/season high), equating to an 83.0% completion percentage and 170.1 passer rating in Week 6.

• Mertz is the only Florida quarterback to complete 70% of his passes or better in six-straight starts, a feat he accomplished in his first six starts as a Gator.

• Mertz’s 87.0% comp. pct. in Week 4 was the ninth-best of any FBS quarterback in any game this year.

• Mertz has thrown a touchdown pass in 21 of his last 24 games.

• In Week 4 vs. McNeese, Mertz’s 87.0% completion percentage (20-for-23) was the highest from a Gators QB since Kyle Trask’s mark of 90.0% (18-20) against Towson on Sept. 28, 2019 (minimum 20 attempts).

• In Week 3 vs. Tennessee, Mertz completed 17-of-20 passes (85.0%) for 146 yards and one touchdown in the first half, equating to a passing efficiency of 162.8. He finished 19-of-24 for 166 yards and one touchdown.

• Mertz finished with 193 yards passing and one touchdown vs. McNeese for a 197.1 passing efficiency - the best by a Florida quarterback in the Billy Napier era and the third-highest by a UF QB across the past three seasons.

• In his Gators debut at No. 14 Utah, Mertz became the fourth Florida quarterback in program history with 300 yards passing, 30 completions and a 70% completion percentage in a game, joining Rex Grossman (2002 vs. Georgia), Tim Tebow (2010 vs. Cincinnati) and Kyle Trask (three times).

• Mertz finished 31-for-44 (70.0%) with a career-high 333 yards, one touchdown and one interception for a 139.8 passing efficiency in his first start in Orange & Blue.

• Mertz produced Florida’s first 300-yard passing game since Anthony Richardson’s 400 against Vanderbilt on Nov. 19, 2022, and the first in a season opener since Kyle Trask went for 416 yards against Ole Miss in 2020.

• Mertz entered 2023 with more career games, starts, completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns than six other SEC quarterback rooms: Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

 

MONTREVOR TAKEOVER​

• In Week 6, RB Montrell Johnson Jr. rushed 18 times for 135 yards and 7.5 YPC while scoring his 26th-career rushing touchdown (14th as a Gator). The score was his 28th-career multi-purpose touchdown (16th at UF).

• Johnson Jr. finished with 160 scrimmage yards on 21 touches and forced nine missed tackles in Week 6.

• RB Trevor Etienne sits ninth in the SEC with 6.0 yards per carry and is one of 19 P5 running backs with over 350 yards rushing, 6.0 yards per carry and multiple rushing scores (min. 60 attempts).

• Etienne rushed for a career-high 172 yards on a career-high 23 attempts while posting the third 100-yard rushing game of his career in Week 3 vs. Tennessee, earning numerous national weekly honors.

• Etienne’s 172 rushing yards were the most by a Gator in a single game across the past nine seasons (2015-2023). His performance ranks eighth in UF history across the last 25 seasons (1999-2023).

• Etienne’s 172 rushing yards is the third-highest total of any SEC player this season, ranking 11th in the P5.

• Johnson Jr. and Etienne have combined for at least one touchdown in 14 of 18 games together, scoring 23 total touchdowns. The duo has combined for 21 total rushing touchdowns in 18 games at Florida.

• Florida posted its 10th 200-yard rushing game in 19 games since 2022 (second of 2023) in Week 6.

• Florida has rushed for 100-plus yards in 14 of their last 19 games dating back to last season (four in 2023)​

 

UFormula​

• Florida brought in a plethora of experience this past offseason, adding 13 players via the transfer portal.

• UF’s group of 2023 transfers wields more than 10,000 combined snaps and 123 career starts, helping to fill vital voids at quarterback, offensive line, defensive end and inside linebacker.

• Over 70% of UF’s scholarship players are in their first or
second year at Florida.

• 93% of the 2023 roster was on campus for the offsea-
son, featuring 27 midyear enrollees (17 HS, 10 transfers).

• Staff attrition was minimal during the 2022-23 offseason,
as seven of Florida’s 10 full-time assistants returned.

• Despite last year’s 6-7 record, Florida outscored its opponents, 384 to 375, including 70-42 off turnovers.

• Florida lost six regular-season games in 2022 by a
combined 61 points

 

BACKFIELD​

• Florida has three RBs with over 5.0 yards per carry and two-plus rushing TDs (Treyaun Webb, Johnson Jr., Etienne).

• Webb rushed four times for 70 yards (17.5 YPC) in Week 6. He scored his first-career touchdown vs. McNeese in Week 2 – the first Gators true freshman running back to do so since Trevor Etienne vs. Kentucky in 2022.

• Johnson Jr. scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) in Week 3, marking his second-straight game with multiple scores and the sixth of his three-year career.

• In their first seasons as Gators, Johnson Jr. (155 carries, 841 yards, 5.4 YPC, 10 TD) and Etienne (118 carries, 718 yards, 6.1 YPC, 6 TD) teamed up to form one of the top backfield duos in the country.

• Florida averaged 5.5 YPC and 200.2 rushing YPG, posted eight 200-yard games, and eclipsed 100 yards 12 times.

• As a duo, Johnson Jr. and Etienne averaged 5.7 YPC and 120.0 rushing YPG. They were one of 15 RB duos in the FBS to rush for over 700 yards apiece last season, including one of three duos to do so while each averaging over 5.4 YPC.

• Johnson Jr. is one of nine FBS players with 10-plus rushing TDs and 800 yards rushing each of the last two seasons.

• Etienne’s ‘22 FBS ranks among true freshmen RBs: YPC (fourth - 6.1), TD (T10th - six), rush yards (eighth - 719).

• Etienne ranked fourth in the FBS among true freshman running backs with 6.1 yards per carry and was one of nine true freshman RBs in the FBS with over 700 rushing yards.

• Over the last two seasons, 24 FBS RBs surpassed 800-plus yards and 12 RBs eclipsed 10-plus rushing TDs in consecutive years. Johnson Jr. is the only player on either list to accomplish the feats at two different schools.

 

YOUNG BREAKOUTS COMPLIMENT PEARSALL​

• TE Arlis Boardingham led UF receivers with a career-high 99 yards in Week 6 while WR Eugene Wilson
paced pass-catchers in Week 3 with 44 yards on six grabs.

• WR Ricky Pearsall has led the way in receiving yards every other week this season (four times).

• WR Khalil Jackson set a career-high with four receptions in Week 6.

• Boardingham also set career highs with seven receptions and two touchdowns in Week 6.

• 10 different players caught a pass in Week 6 including seven with multiple.

• Pearsall has surpassed 90 yards three times and posted a season-high 123 yards on six grabs and one score
in Week 2 vs. McNeese. He has six-plus grabs in four games.

• Pearsall has recorded a reception in 34 consecutive games, the eighth-longest streak in the FBS.

• Of Pearsall’s 67 catches at Florida, 49 have been for first downs (27 of 33 in 2022; 22 of 34 in 2023).

• Wilson III paced UF receivers with a career-high eight catches in Week 6 while also catching his first career
touchdown and totaling a career-high 64 yards receiving.

• Pearsall finished one yard shy of his fifth-career 100-yard receiving game in Week 4. In Week 2 vs. McNeese, he posted the third such performance of his Gators career with a 123-yard showing.

• Pearsall ranks t-15th in the P5 (eighth in SEC) with 33 receptions and 11th in the SEC with 76.3 receiving YPG.

• Jean was the 17th UF player to catch a pass in 2023, whereas Florida saw 18 players catch a pass all of last year, the team’s most since having 21 players do so in 2018.

• In Week 2, Wilson III became the first Gators true freshman wide receiver to start a home opener since Antonio Callaway in 2015 vs. New Mexico State.

• Pearsall ranked fourth in the FBS with 20.0 yards per catch in 2022 - which ranked third in program history.

• Pearsall was one of six FBS players with 110-plus rushing yards and 650-plus receiving yards last year

 

STATE OF THE O-LINE​

• Florida added three experienced offensive lineman out of the transfer portal this offseason in Micah Mazzc-
cua (Baylor), Lyndell Hudson II (FIU) and Damieon George Jr. (Alabama).

• UF has allowed 32 sacks in 19 games under Billy Napier, which ranks fourth in the SEC (1.7 per game).

• C Jake Slaughter ranks as the No. 30 center in the FBS.

• Across the last three seasons (2021-23), Florida is tied for the 14th-fewest sacks allowed in the P5 and second in the SEC behind Georgia. During that span, the Gators have out-sacked opponents by a plus-22 margin (68-46).

• Austin Barber ranked as the No. 22 tackle in the FBS in 2022.

 

OFFENSIVE GRAB BAG​

• Over the last four seasons (2020-23), Florida ranks 13th in the P5 and fifth in the SEC with 457.0 yards per game.

• Since 2018, UF has ranked eighth in the P5 in passing efficiency (153.1) and 16th in TD-INT ratio (2.88).

• Florida has out-gained its opponents in 22 of 32 games across the past three campaigns (2021-23).

• The Gators totaled 500-plus yards in four of the last 16 games and in 16 of their last 43 contests.

• In Week 6, the Gators eclipsed 400 yards for the ninth time since the start of 2022 (second of 2023). Florida amassed 400-plus total yards for the 26th time in its last 42 games including 39 of the last 61 contests.

• With 215 yards vs. Vandy, UF has rushed for over 200 yards 16 times since 2021 including 10 occasions in the Billy Napier era.

• UF has scored 30-plus points in 28 of the last 46 games. UF has scored 40 points seven times in 30 games from 2021-23

 

CHARTING UF’S DEFENSIVE TURNAROUND​

• Through the first six games of the 2023 season, the Gators have only allowed 101 points (16.8 per game), compared to 2022, when Florida allowed 142 total points through six games - a 41 point improvement.
» Additionally, Florida is limiting opponents to 286.5 total yards per game this season, a 126-yard improvement from last year’s 412.8 yards per game through the first six games.
» The Gators rank 16th in the FBS and third in the SEC in total defense with 286.5 YPG.
» In the last five games in The Swamp, opponents have totatled 50 points (10 points per game)

• In the last 22 quarters, Florida has limited opposing offenses to 1,485 yards (67.5 yards per quarter).
» At No. 14 Utah, the Gators held the No. 14 Utes to just 38 total yards in the second half - the team’s lowest total in a half since 18 vs. Vanderbilt on Nov. 9, 2019.
» In the home opener vs. McNeese, UF held the Cowboys to 46 rushing yards - fewest since 44 vs. South Carolina last season. Florida also held McNeese to 66 passing yards - fewest since Charleston Southern in 2018.
» In Week 2, UF posted its best defensive performance (112 yards) in 86 games (Sept. 17, 2016 vs. North Texas - 53).
» Florida held No. 11 Tennessee to its third-fewest points (16) in the Josh Heupel era. The Gators also hold the mark for second-fewest in the head coach’s tenure with 14 points allowed in 2021.
» Against Vanderbilt, the Gators held the Commodores to 64 total rushing yards. It marked the third time this season Florida has held opponents to under 100 rushing yards and fifth in the Napier era.

 

2023 IN THE SWAMP​

• The Florida defense has locked down opponents in The Swamp this season behind its 4-0 undefeated record.

• In the four games, the Gators have only allowed six total touchdowns (four passing and two rushing) with No. 11 Tennessee and Vanderbilt scoring twice while McNeese and Charlotte only scored once.
» A total of 44 points have been scored on the Gators at home: an average of 11 points per game.
» In the last five games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, opponents have scored seven total touchdowns.

• Opposing offenses have totaled 1.051 yards of offense for an average of 262.8 per game compared to Florida’s 1,799 yards / 449.8 per game.
» UF has limited the rushing attack to 2.8 yards per attempt and only 72.3 per game as opponents have ran for just 289 total yards.

• Opponents have committed 27 penalties totaling 208 yards for an average of 52.0 per game.
» Eight of the penalties have been false start penalties with five of them committed by No. 11 Tennessee.

 

FRESH FACES PROVIDE LIFT TO GATORS D​

• Joining new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong are seven defensive transfers this year: DL Caleb Banks (Louisville), EDGE Quincy Ivory (East LA CC), DL Cam Jackson (Memphis), LB Teradja Mitchell (Ohio State), S R.J. Moten (Michigan), LB Mannie Nunnery (Houston) and LB Deuce Spurlock II (Michigan).

• The new Gators bring in a combined 44 starts and over 4,170 snaps played compared to 30 defensive returners with 69 total starts and 8,792 snaps.

• Moten, whose dad played LB for UF from 1982-86, made 10 starts in 2022 including the Big 10 Championship.
» He has 15 career starts and 1,033 snaps played, which is the 10th-highest on the roster and third-most by a defensive player behind Jason Marshall Jr. (1,417) and Mannie Nunnery (1,259).

• Jackson also comes with double-digit career starts (13) on top of 34 games in three seasons at Memphis.
» He finished with 41 tackles last season, which would have ranked second among Gators defensive lineman last year behind only Gervon Dexter Sr., a second round pick by the Chicago Bears.

• Twelve rookie defenders also joined the program this season including four cornerbacks, three EDGEs, two defensive linemen, two safeties, and one linebacker.
» Half of the first-year players were consensus four-star recruits and are all HC Billy Napier’s recruits.
» Five played in the 2023 Under Armour All-American Bowl Game with EDGE Kelby Collins named MVP.

 

CLIMBING THE (J) HILL​

• After missing all of the 2021 season and the first four games of 2022 due to injury, CB Jaydon Hill has started the last
14 of 15 games at the STAR. Hill started the last nine games in 2022 and four of five this season.
» Despite missing four games in 2022, Hill played 435 total snaps - the 10th most among defensive players, sec-
ond-highest by a Gators CB and third-most by a returning defensive player for UF.
» His debut vs. Eastern Washington marked 641 days since his last game (2020 Cotton Bowl vs Oklahoma).
• This season Hill has two pass breakups, 12 tackles (six solo), a tackle-for-loss and ranks third among UF defensive
backs with a coverage grade of 71.5. He has also only missed three tackles this season.
• In his second start last year, he recorded two interceptions including a 49-yard interception return touchdown in the
first quarter vs. Missouri.
» The first pick marked his first-career interception and first-career touchdown.
» His first interception also represented Florida’s longest pick-six since Ventrell Miller’s 82-yard interception return
touchdown vs. Idaho on Nov. 17, 2018.
» Hill became the first Florida player with two interceptions and a pick-six in the same game since CJ Gardner-John-
son vs. Michigan in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 29, 2018.
• The second interception late in the third quarter set up a nine-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that put Florida ahead, 24-10, thanks to a nine-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Richardson to Ricky Pearsall early in the fourth quarter.

• Hill’s performance vs. the Tigers also earned him his first-career SEC Defensive Player of the Week Honor.
» The last Gators DB to earn weekly conference honors was Shawn Davis in 2019 vs. Auburn

 

THE YOUTH MOVEMENT​

• The 2023 Florida defense features a majority of underclassmen players (two seasons or fewer) making an impact this seeason.
» Sophomore LB Shemar James leads the Gators in tackles with 42 and freshman S Jordan Castell is third with 28.
» James (5.0) and redshirt DL Jamari Lyons (2.5) rank first and fourth in TFLs. Lyon’s tackle-for-loss resulted in a three-yard loss and safety in the home opener against McNeese.
» Freshman CB Ja’Keem Jackson is tied for the lead in pass breakups with three. He recorded his first two on the /same drive vs. McNeese - tied for most by a first-year player in the SEC.

• The trio of James (278 snaps), Castell (270 snaps) and Mitchell (199 snaps) rank two-three-eight in defensive snaps
played, with three-year starter DB Jason Marshall Jr. first overall at 282 snaps.

• Through the first six games, a combined 24 starts have come from players in their second season or less, including
second-year James starting each game.
» Ten starts have been by true freshmen this season on both offense and defense - Castell (5), Eugene Wilson III
(3), Bryce Thornton (1), Knijeah Harris (1),

• Castell has started at safety in each of the last five games as fellow true freshman Thornton started alongside him, signifying Florida’s first game starting two true freshmen at safeties in the last 25 years (Week 6 vs. Vandy).

• Nine of the 12 Class of 2023 defensive signees have played in all six games to start the season with the whole class totaling 824 defensive snaps. Out of the 3,509 defensive snap opportunities (319 plays x 11 players), the Class of 2023 has accounted for 23.4% of them played.

 

SPECIAL TEAM FLIPPING THE GAME​

• K Trey Smack finished 5-for-5 on field goals vs. Charlotte with a career-long of 54 yards.
» The 54-yarder is tied for the ninth longest in the country andthird in the SEC.
» He became the first Gator to make five field goals in a single-game for the Gators since Eddy Pineiro in 2017.
» He was also perfect in kickoffs for the second straight week with a career-best seven touchbacks.
Smack was 6-for-6 in touchbacks vs. No. 11 Tennessee.

• Smack has recorded 29 touchbacks in 34 attempts for an average of 64.3 per kick.
» Smack made his first-career field goal on a 27-yarder vs. the Volunteers in the fourth quarter.
» He has successfully made seven field goals from: 23 (2x), 27 (2x), 36, 40 and 54.
» Smack is also a perfect 11-for-11 on extra points and 7-for-7 on field goals this season.

• P Jeremy Crawshaw averaged 47.94 yards per punt in 35 attempts last season featuring 13 kicks of 50-plus and a season-long of 67 yards vs. South Carolina.
» In the 2023 season opener at No. 14 Utah, he recorded his 10th career-game of multiple 50-yard punts in a single game.
» In the Las Vegas Bowl, he hit a career-high of four 50-plus-yard punts for an average of 56.5.
» Crawshaw has 107 career punts for an average of 46.3 per attempt with 45 going 50-plus yards and 41 inside the opponents-20 yard line.
» At Kentucky, he had 5 punts for an average of 53.8 with four going 50-plues yards with a long of 61 yards.
» Crawshaw booted an average of 58.3 per punt in three attempts with a long of 63 yards vs. Vanderbilt.

• K Adam Mihalek’s three 50-yard field goals tied for the most in a season by a UF kicker (sixth to do so) last season (52 yards vs. No. 1 Georgia, 50 yards vs. No. 20 Kentucky, 50 yards at Texas A&M).
» His field goal vs. the Bulldogs was Florida’s longest since Evan McPherson’s 53-yarder on Oct. 10, 2020 vs. Texas A&M. The 52-yarder was tied for fifth-longest in the SEC in 2022.
» Mihalek was one of nine FBS kickers with three or more 50-yarders last year.