When USC has ball

The Gamecocks totaled 351 yards and scored 34 points using a two-quarterback system in a win last week against Arkansas. Chris Smelley, who ranks seventh in the SEC in passing yards, and Stephen Garcia each threw a touchdown pass. The running game has shown signs of life the past two games behind Mike Davis and Eric Baker, who led the team with 59 yards against Arkansas.

Former USC defensive coordinator Charlie Strong leads the Florida defense, which ranks first in the league in scoring defense, allowing only 11.9 points per game. Linebacker Brandon Spikes leads the team in tackles with 66, while North Charleston native Carlos Dunlap has five sacks this season.

Edge: Florida

When Florida has ball

The vaunted USC defense, which still ranks as one of the nation’s best total defenses, will get its biggest test of the year with Florida’s 42.8 points per game offensively. Quarterback Tim Tebow, who was a part of seven scores in last year’s meeting, leads the league in passing efficiency and has thrown for 17 touchdowns on the season. Receiver Percy Harvin and running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps are speedsters that can score on any play. USC Safety Chris Culliver is suspended for the first half because of last week’s ejection for fighting. Stoney Woodson, normally a cornerback, will take his place.

Edge: Florida

Special teams

USC kicker Ryan Succop went 2-for-3 last week on field goals, which made him 17-for-26 on the year. Punter Spencer Lanning has moved up to third in the league with an average of 42.8 yards per punt. While USC has been solid on special teams, the Gators have been spectacular. Florida kicker Jonathan Phillips is 9-for-9 on field goals, the Gators have the best punt return unit in the league and they blocked a pair of Vanderbilt punts last week.

Edge: Florida

Bottom line

USC faces its tallest task of the season at No. 3 Florida, which has already locked up the division title. Gamecock coach and Gator legend Steve Spurrier has kept the pressure off his team all week. Florida has turned its attention to making the national title game, and Urban Meyer has made it clear he’s not overlooking a USC team that’s a 3-touchdown underdog.

But, for the Gamecocks to pull off the upset, they’ll have to stop Tebow, score on Florida’s defense, protect the ball and handle a raucous crowd in The Swamp. It’s too much to ask, even though USC almost won at Florida two years ago and fares pretty well on the road with Spurrier.

Prediction: Florida 35, USC 20