After a narrow 9-7 win over Vanderbilt on Homecoming on Saturday, the No. 11 Gators hit the road to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, South Carolina, at noon on ESPN.
Gone on the sidelines in Columbia is Heisman Trophy winner and former UF coach Steve Spurrier, who resigned on Oct. 13.
Florida has wrapped up the Southeastern Conference East division, and the Gators turn their focus to finishing the regular season strong.
Barring any missteps, UF remains in the College Football Playoff hunt, but any SEC foe can dash the team’s dreams.
Debating Saturday’s game between Akron and Miami (OH) is alligatorSports editor Graham Hall and Alligator managing/online editor Jordan McPherson.
Akron will win because…
This is what I’m talking about. Who cares about Ohio State? This is the real battle for Ohio. Akron is a competent football program for what seems like the first time.
The Zips, who have one of the best mascots in all the land, are coming off a 17-13 victory over Massachusetts. But you know what they say — a win is better than a loss.
If some football MACtion doesn’t get you fired up, I don’t know what will.
— Graham Hall
Miami (OH) will win because...
It’s been a long time coming, but this team finally figured out how to win.
They look like a real team, one willing to play for each other.
It came down to the wire, but that breathtaking last-second touchdown just show… Oh wait, wrong Miami team. This one will be fine, too.
— Jordan McPherson
Now onto the picks!
In first place with a record of 44-34-2 is the Palm Beach Post’s Anthony "Stuck in Columbia" Chiang, who will spend an extra 24 hours in South Carolina following the game.
Take some time to enjoy the sights, Anthony. The heart-warming, optimistic population should be a welcome change from your stuck-in-Kendall acquaintances.
In second place with a record of 43-35-2 is Alligator managing/online editor Jordan "I don’t know how my computer broke ;)" McPherson, who was in a "sticky situation" this week when he had to take his computer in for repairs.
You’ve mastered using the incognito browser, Jordan. Now it’s time to bring the Kleenex over ahead of time.
In third place with a record of 42-36-2 is alligatorSports assistant editor Luis "Special" Torres, who, hoping to make a good impression, channeled McElwain and wore a sombrero to a wedding.
We know you’re a little special, Luis. But, only the mentally competent get to play special teams.
In fourth place with a record of 41-37-2 is GatorCountry’s Nick "Fake ID" De la Torre, who frequently enjoys the nightlife and attempts to convince unsuspecting women that he is a college-aged individual rather than a man approaching 30.
I don’t know who falls for that, Nick. It’s time to find a woman who looks like you. I know several bachelorettes at local nursing homes who would be more suited for your looks.
In fifth place with a record of 40-38-2 is the Orlando Sentinel’s Edgar "Strap-on" Thompson, who received some good ole Twitter flack for innocently using the phrase "strap it on".
Good try feigning innocence, Edgar. We know where your mind was. That’s right, it was in the gutter. Thinking about dildos.
We have two-way tie for sixth place with records of 36-42-2.
First up is 247 Sports’ Thomas "AMA" Goldkamp, who pumped his own ego by hosting a Q&A on Twitter for Gator fans to ask him questions.
I’m jealous of your influence over the Florida faithful, Thomas. I wish I could be...Subscribe for $10 a month to continue reading this burn.
Next is alligatorSports editor Graham "WNBA’" Hall, who was so infatuated with the WNBA playoffs last month that three people are now picking under protest because Graham failed to correctly send out the picks column.
Come on, Graham. Life, just like your description of women’s basketball, is a chess match. Make the right choice now (read: turn off the snoozefest of a game and do your damn job) or else we’ll have to get you the help you need.
And STILL in dead-ass-last with a piss-poor record of 32-46-2 is alligatorSports’ staff writer Graham "Soooooo busy" Hack, who frequently complains about the minimal work he has to do.
You don’t work in an office, you live at home and watch highlights all day of Jeff Gordon turning left. I’m tired of your complaining, Hack.
Site: Williams-Brice Stadium (Cap. 80,250)
Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
TV/Radio: ESPN