Shane Beamer not using 2022 Florida game as motivation this year

Shane Beamer remembers South Carolina’s blowout loss at the hands of the Florida Gators in 2022 all too well.

The Gators trounced the Gamecocks 38-6 in Gainesville but Beamer and crew turned the corner with back-to-back top 10 wins over Tennessee and Clemson last year. 2023 is a new season and Beamer doesn’t even want to look backward at Florida.

It’s all about the present and that should be motivation enough with Florida coming to the Gamecocks’ home turf this time.

“I haven’t mentioned at one time and don’t plan on it,” Beamer said. “You know, last year Anthony Richardson’s, thank God he’s playing for the Colts now and that was a long night in Gainesville and give them credit. They did a great job. They had a great game plan and we did not do much, you know, at all, other than a cool fake punt … 

“We have to protect the ball better than we did that night. Three turnovers to start. The second half is not a recipe for success. Giving up explosive runs like we gave up defensively is not a recipe for success.” 

South Carolina had a week off following its 41-20 loss to Tennessee to end September. It was likely needed as seemingly nothing went right as the Gamecocks fell to 2-3.

Spencer Rattler went 24-of-35 passing for 169 yards and one interception, while running for a touchdown. Mario Anderson found success on the ground, but it wasn’t nearly enough, running 10 times for 101 yards and a touchdown.

The offense has to step up, there’s no ifs ands or buts. Beamer mentioned how Florida’s defensive scheme may be altered compared to last year.

“They may be watching it just because you know, it’s a new defensive coordinator for them, so there are some schematic changes, but it’s the same special team, same offense as well,” Beamer said.

“So our coaches within their meetings may be watching tape just to you know, refer back to it but I haven’t mentioned it one time with the coaching staff and I haven’t mentioned last year’s game one time with the team. Don’t plan on it either.”

Need motivation if you’re South Carolina playing Florida? The Gamecocks need a win before tough games against Missouri and Texas A&M.

Maybe South Carolina’s motivation should be to get on the positive side of things before the postseason slips from its grasp.