Eight years ago, the Gators and Gamecocks engaged in an epic battle in the Swamp. The Gators were clinging onto slim national championship hopes, but South Carolina appeared ready to smash them- until Jarvis Moss blocked what would have been the game winning kick.
Today, the hero of that game returns to relive that moment for us through his own eyes, as well as talk about tomorrow’s matchup.
Neil: First, Florida’s offense seems to have found a spark in Treon Harris, who guided them to wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt. How do you expect him to fare against South Carolina’s defense?
Jarvis Moss: I think playing at home will allow him to be more poised and display more composure than if he were in SC! I know his confidence is growing week by week and he we will see more and more of what he can do. South Carolina will see a better TREON than Georgia saw. I think he will make plays with his legs and arm and be one of many positives for Florida. It won’t be easy but he will make plays and contribute to an offense gaining steam!
Neil Shulman: South Carolina’s defense, as a whole, is weaker than it’s been in awhile. Do you think that means the Gators will open it up for Treon, or do you think they stick with that running game that gashed Georgia?
Jarvis Moss:I think the coaches stick to the current formula that’s won them the last two games, and that’s running the ball! I see us adding some big plays through the air here and there but the ground game and battle in the trenches will be a huge factor. We have to win the game up front.
Neil: Pharaoh Cooper has been largely unstoppable all year. Do you think this young Gators secondary is up to the task of stopping him?
Jarvis Moss: Cooper is an excellent player. But at the same time, the Gators have an excellent secondary full of young playmakers that could become big time! Yes, the Gator secondary is talented to enough to be able to neutralize cooper.
Neil: Take us back to that moment in 2006. Relive it for us, through your eyes.
Jarvis Moss: 2006 South Carolina was a huge moment in Florida football history that showed the determination of both our players and fans! There was a timeout right before Succop’s field goal attempt. During the timeout coach Charlie Strong actually wanted to replace me with a fresh player in Derrick Harvey… and I refused to come out. Too big of a moment! Ray McDonald and Steven Harris did the hard work by pushing SC LINE BACK AND I just did what desperation can do for you. The ball clipped my finger tips on my left hand! Big moments in sports often happen in slow motion for some people, and for me, falling to the ground was as slow motion as I have experienced in sports. Took forever to hit the ground to run and celebrate a team victory, and boy did we. And man, let me tell you, the fans were amazing. Go Gators!
Neil: What does the Florida-South Carolina game mean to you overall?
Jarvis Moss: I think each Florida vs. South Carolina game is a piece of history. From the old ball coach (Steve spurrier) simply being involved, especially on the same field he used to lead the Gators on, to the history just to that one moment that helped propel the University of Florida into the history books yet again! (Without that blocked field goal, if Succop makes it, Florida’s national title dreams are gone.)
Neil: Prediction: who wins, what’s the score, and why?
Jarvis Moss: Well, it’s going to be a close game… but Florida wins 30 to 27 on a game winning field goal!
