Florida’s march through the SEC continued in Week 12, but not without a moment of genuine tension.
What began as a dominant, one-sided performance turned into a late scare before the Gators reasserted control, closing the door with a decisive 14–0 finish to secure a 45–28 victory over South Carolina. The win moves Florida to a perfect 8–0 in SEC play, keeping them firmly in the driver’s seat for both the conference race and the playoff conversation.
Fast Start, Familiar Formula
From the opening kickoff, Florida looked poised to cruise. The offense exploded out of the gates, the defense swarmed South Carolina’s backfield, and the Gators quickly built a commanding lead. The early script mirrored what Florida has done to so many teams this season: score fast, score often, and dictate tempo.
By the time the first half ended, Florida appeared to be in complete control, fueled by big plays on both sides of the ball and a defense that was playing downhill with confidence.
South Carolina’s Rally Creates Late Drama
Then came the wobble.
South Carolina adjusted, capitalized on Florida mistakes, and suddenly the comfortable lead began to shrink. What once looked like a blowout turned into a one-score game, forcing Florida to respond under real pressure for the first time all afternoon.
That response defined the game.
With momentum threatening to swing, Florida regrouped and closed the contest the way elite teams do — with composure, execution, and killer instinct. The Gators rattled off 14 unanswered points to finish the game, silencing the comeback and restoring order.
662 Yards of Offense… and a Roller-Coaster at Quarterback
Statistically, Florida’s offense was overwhelming. The Gators piled up a staggering 662 total yards, slicing through South Carolina’s defense in waves. At the center of it all was freshman quarterback Reshard Overeem, who turned in one of the most chaotic stat lines of the season.
Overeem finished with:
- 447 passing yards
- 4 passing touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 148 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
- 3 fumbles
It was the perfect snapshot of Overeem’s freshman season — breathtaking highs mixed with nerve-wracking mistakes.
When Overeem is locked in, few players in the country can match his explosiveness. His ability to create big plays through the air and with his legs puts constant stress on defenses. However, the turnovers nearly swung this game, and they remain the biggest concern as Florida eyes bigger goals.
For a true freshman, volatility is expected. But if the Gators are serious about a playoff run, ball security must improve — because future opponents will be far less forgiving.
Dallas Wilson: Third-Down Assassin
When Florida needed stability, Dallas Wilson delivered.
Wilson emerged as Overeem’s safety valve and chain-mover, especially on third downs. He finished with six catches for 119 yards, and remarkably, four of those receptions resulted in first-down conversions.
Time and again, Wilson found soft spots in coverage, extending drives and preventing South Carolina from fully seizing momentum. His performance didn’t always show up in highlight reels, but it was absolutely critical to Florida maintaining control.
Dorian Fleming Enters Rare Territory
Another week, another milestone for Dorian Fleming.
The star tight end added six catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season total to an eye-popping 18 touchdown receptions. That number places Fleming in rarefied air, not just within the SEC, but nationally.
Even on days when he isn’t the focal point of the offense, Fleming finds a way to impact the scoreboard. His consistency in the red zone has become one of Florida’s greatest assets.
Aiden Mizell Keeps Rolling
Aiden Mizell continued his strong campaign with four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, providing Florida with another reliable big-play option on the outside.
With Mizell stretching defenses vertically and Fleming dominating underneath, Florida’s passing attack remains as difficult to scheme against as any in the country.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
While the offense grabbed headlines, Florida’s defense was the catalyst for the early surge.
The Gators finished with seven sacks, overwhelming South Carolina’s offensive line and consistently disrupting the backfield. Linebacker Elijah Groves led the charge with a monster performance, tallying five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Groves was relentless, blowing up run plays and collapsing pockets before South Carolina’s quarterback could settle in.
Freshman John Bee continued his breakout stretch, recording 1.5 sacks for the second consecutive game, while DJ Walker and Jesus Silvestro each added a sack of their own.
The pressure Florida generated early played a major role in building the initial lead — and ultimately provided the cushion needed to survive the mid-game turbulence.
The Bigger Picture
At 8–0 in SEC play, Florida continues to stack wins, but Week 12 also served as a reminder of what still needs refining.
The ceiling is unmistakably high. The offense can score from anywhere on the field, the defense can take over games, and the talent level is undeniable. Yet the margin for error shrinks with every passing week, and turnovers remain the one thing that could derail a championship-caliber run.
This was a win that showcased both Florida’s brilliance and its vulnerabilities — a valuable lesson as the stakes continue to rise.
Up Next: Rivalry Showdown with Florida State
There’s no time to dwell on mistakes.
Next up is a heated rivalry matchup against Florida State, a game that always carries weight regardless of rankings or records. For Florida, it’s another opportunity to sharpen their edge, clean up the turnovers, and make a final statement before the postseason picture fully crystallizes.
Florida survived the scare in Week 12.
Now, the Gators turn their attention to their rivals — with everything still on the table.
