South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers accounted for five touchdowns and Florida never recovered after halftime.
The No. 15 Gators fell 38-19 to the Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It is Florida’s second straight SEC loss after last week’s 45-17 loss at Missouri.
Florida Starts Hot, Then Goes Cold
Florida opened with two straight three-and-outs on both sides. Then Aaron Philo hit Bailey Stockton for a 59-yard catch-and-run touchdown on third-and-6.
That was the peak.
South Carolina answered with a 10-play, 65-yard drive. Sellers broke a 17-yard scramble on third down, then found Nyck Harbor for a 15-yard touchdown in the corner. Tied 7-7.
The Gamecocks converted 5 of their first 8 third downs. That number would get worse for Florida.
The Interception That Changed Everything
Florida led 10-7 late in the second quarter after a 21-yard field goal from Patrick Durkin.
On second-and-11, Philo forced a deep ball to Stockton. Vicari Swain jumped it and returned it 18 yards to the Florida 26.
South Carolina needed five plays:
Sellers to DJ Black for 16 yards on third-and-11
Sellers to Mazeo Bennett Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown
17-10 Gamecocks. Florida drove to the SC 30 in the final 1:39 but Durkin missed a 43-yarder as time expired. Halftime score held at 17-10 despite a lightning delay.
At the break, South Carolina was 7-of-11 on third down. Jadan Baugh had 14 yards on 7 carries.
Gamecocks Pull Away After Weather Delay
Florida came out of the 20-minute delay with urgency. Baugh ripped a 26-yard run, the best carry of the day. The drive stalled at the SC 30 and Durkin hit from 48. 17-13.
South Carolina responded in two plays.
Sellers hit Harbor for 35 yards on third-and-14, then found Donovan Murph for a 26-yard touchdown. 24-13 with 8:36 left in the third.
The next drive was more methodical. 9 plays, 59 yards, another third-down conversion, and Sellers finished it with a 1-yard quarterback keeper. 31-13.
Turnovers End Any Comeback Talk
Florida moved the ball to the South Carolina 17 on its next possession. Philo had completions to Stockton, Dallas Wilson, and Baugh, including a 22-yarder to Stockton.
On second-and-1, Philo kept it for a first down, but Dylan Stewart forced a fumble at the 17. South Carolina recovered.
The rest unraveled fast:
Florida’s defense got its first stop since the first quarter, but the offense turned it over on downs at midfield after Philo was shaken up scrambling.
Three plays later, Sellers hit Lex Cyrus for a 21-yard touchdown on third-and-4. 38-13 with 8:07 left.
Tramell Jones Jr. replaced Philo and was intercepted by Justin Okoronkwo at the SC 39.
Philo finished 21-of-28 for 227 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and a lost fumble while taking three sacks. Baugh scored a late 2-yard touchdown on a direct snap to make it 38-19, but the two-point conversion was intercepted.
Sellers finished with 279 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. South Carolina converted 10 of 16 third downs and gained 161 of its 393 total yards on third-down plays.
By The Numbers
Final Score: South Carolina 38, Florida 19
Third Down: South Carolina 10-16, Florida 4-12
Turnovers: Florida 3, South Carolina 0
Baugh Rushing: Under 100 yards for second straight week
Sellers Total TDs: 5
What’s Next
Florida drops to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play. South Carolina improves to 3-3, 1-3 SEC and snaps its conference losing streak.
Florida travels to Texas next week. The Gators have allowed 83 points in their last two games.
FAQs
What was the final score of Florida vs South Carolina?
South Carolina beat Florida 38-19 on October 10, 2026, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. The Gamecocks led 17-10 at halftime and pulled away with 21 straight points in the second half.
Why did Florida lose to South Carolina?
Third-down defense, turnovers, and red zone failures. Florida’s defense allowed 10 third-down conversions, the offense committed three turnovers including two interceptions and a fumble, and settled for two field goals on drives that reached the red zone.
Who had the best game for South Carolina vs Florida?
LaNorris Sellers threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. Nyck Harbor, Donovan Murph, Mazeo Bennett Jr., and Lex Cyrus all caught touchdown passes.
What happened to Aaron Philo and Jadan Baugh?
Philo threw for 227 yards but was sacked three times and had two turnovers. Baugh was held to under 100 yards rushing for the second straight week after entering the game as Florida’s leading rusher.
Florida Gators vs South Carolina 38-19 loss key plays breakdown
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