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Florida is still in the hunt for the College Football Playoff. While it may be a longshot, the Gators need to take care of business in Columbia to keep the hope alive. Though USC has struggled all season, its defense is steadily progressing under Jon Hoke.
Let’s take a look at 5 impact players in Saturday’s matchup between Florida and USC.
1. Florida RB Kelvin Taylor — Florida is dangerous when it can run the football. It takes the pressure off Treon Harris and makes the Gators offense less predictable. But it all starts with Kelvin Taylor. The junior’s best game came against Georgia on Halloween when he dashed for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
2. Florida WR Antonio Callaway — The freshman is the Gators’ big-play threat in the passing attack with 20 receptions for 429 yards and three TDs. He has the speed to get behind the defense and the athletic ability to take the ball away from defenders.
3. Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III: The leader of the secondary, Hargreaves will be on alert for poor decisions by South Carolina QB Perry Orth. Hargraeves has four interceptions on the season.
4. Florida DE CeCe Jefferson — The Florida defense is decimated by injury this week. To add insult to injury, starting DE Jordan Sherit is suspended for the first half Saturday from a targeting call against Vanderbilt. Jefferson, who has shown promise at times, will fill the void left by Sherit.
5. Florida QB Treon Harris — This may be obvious, but Harris and the offense need to find a rhythm. Harris finished the Vanderbilt game 12-of-24 for 158 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
