While the Gamecocks came away with a 28-20 win over Florida at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, miscommunication was a big factor in the offense's season-high four turnovers.
“At the end of the day we won,” quarterback Jake Bentley said. “It's a lot better to learn from something with a 'W' then it is the other way around."
Bentley threw a career-high three interceptions, while the team fumbled in the first quarter on its own 38-yard line.
Bentley said he was at fault for the first interception, which took place on the Gamecocks' second drive and occurred after a lack of communication. Florida's CJ Henderson returned the ball 24 yards after picking off Bentley but fumbled on the one-yard line. Tight end Hayden Hurst forced the fumble and A.J. Turner recovered it, returning it 24 yards to South Carolina's 24-yard line.
Bentley's second interception came in the first quarter at the hands of Chauncey Gardner, who returned it 46 yards after the catch. Bentley said he did not see Gardner, even though Hurst was open.
“It just can’t happen, just got to throw it away,” Bentley reflected on the third turnover. “And take care of the ball.”
Despite South Carolina’s abundance of turnovers, the momentum from the run game did not stop.
Turner said the team's ability to "stick together" helped the progression of the game even when there were several mistakes. The "man down, man up" mentality impacted Turner, who used his space to create more yards for himself and rushed for a season-high 136 yards against the Gators.
“I just had to step up in ways that my team needed me," Turner said.
According to Bentley, the Gamecocks knew that Florida was ready to come in and put up a fight. While the Gators were dealing with off field issues and were playing under an interim head coach, the game was not going to be handed to the Gamecocks, especially since Florida was head coach Will Muschamp’s former program from 2011-14.
Adversity is not a surprise this season for South Carolina, which has dealt with several injuries to key skill players on offense and defense. Muschamp has drilled the ability to overcome adversity into each player's mind.
“Through everything you do, you're going to be faced with adversity," Bentley said. "That's what they tell us all the time, and you gotta find a way to get through it."
The “so what, now what” mentality has become a reality for South Carolina. The way the Gamecocks handle setbacks, like turnovers, will determine their results down the home stretch.
“I think the guys have really bought into that," Bentley said. "I think it started off as just a thing you say ... but through the season, I think the guys have really adapted that mindset.”