The Florida defense struggled for the second consecutive week, allowing 38 points in a loss to South Carolina, marking the Gators' second straight game after a 4-0 start.
While the unit struggled to slow the Gamecocks all afternoon, linebacker Myles Graham provided one of the few bright spots for the Orange and Blue. His ability to continuously make plays around the line of scrimmage earned him Gators Wire's defensive player of the game honors for Week 6.
Graham finished the 38-19 loss with eight total tackles, including three solo stops, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. He made an impact throughout the game, consistently getting into the South Carolina backfield and disrupting their plays before they could develop.
His impact was even more
apparent in his Pro Football Focus grades.
According to PFF, Graham earned a 78.9 overall defensive grade, the highest mark among Florida defenders who exceeded the minimum snap count. His performance was not limited to one area, either, as the linebacker graded as Florida's best run defender and tackler while finishing second on the team as a pass rusher.
His versatility made him one of Florida's most dependable defenders against the Gamecocks. His run defense helped limit big plays on the ground.
Graham's performance is encouraging for a Florida defense still searching for consistency. The Gators have now surrendered 83 points over their last two games, making dependable playmakers at the second level even more important as conference play continues.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Myles Graham adds optimistic outlook to Florida's defense
