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COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Florida coach Steve Spurrier hates talking about the Bowl Championship Series standings, but the third-ranked Gators are by no means out of contention for the national championship game. The Gators begin a rugged closing stretch that will determine their ultimate fate when they visit No. 15 South Carolina on Saturday in a Southeastern Conference game. Florida (7-1, 5-1 SEC) is only seventh in the latest BCS standings. But with games remaining against Florida State and Tennessee, along with a possible appearance in the SEC title contest, the Gators have a chance to climb higher if other schools falter. A 71-13 victory over Vanderbilt moved Florida into sole possession first place in the SEC East, one-half game ahead of Tennessee, which defeated Notre Dame last week. Florida and Tennessee could decide the East title in Gainesville on December 1. Rex Grossman passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns in last week's rout of the Commdodores. Florida built a 37-0 halftime lead and amassed 571 total yards. Just a sophomore, Grossman continues to post impressive numbers in a bid for the Heisman Trophy. Grossman, who leads the nation in passing effeciency, has completed 178-of-269 passes for 2,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Florida continues to lead the nation in total offense (557.6 ypg) and passing yards (430.5 ypg) while ranking second in scoring (44.9 ppg). South Carolina (7-2, 5-2) has made a dramatic improvement in the SEC under third-year coach Lou Holtz, but the Gamecocks have not been able to beat through against the elite teams. South Carolina posted a 38-14 victory over Division I-AA Wofford last week, but suffered a 17-10 loss at Tennessee two weeks ago that dropped the Gamecocks out of first place. The Gamecocks also suffered a 41-21 defeat against Florida last season with first place in the division on the line. They shocked the Gators early by jumping to a 21-3 first-quarter lead, but Florida responded with 38 unanswered points. The Gators lead the all-time series, 15-3-3. Florida has won 10 straight against the Gamecocks, including all nine meetings since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992. Phil Petty completed 15-of-20 passes for 120 yards in last week's win over Wofford, while Andrew Pinnock rushed for three touchdowns. South Carolina again is seeking a school-record sixth SEC victory. The Gamecocks, who posted a conference mark of 5-3 last year, host Atlantic Coast Conference rival Clemson in their regular-season finale next week.
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