The Florida Gators returned home looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, but instead suffered another setback in a 39-19 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Florida's offense struggled to consistently find its footing for the second consecutive week. Opposing teams seem to have figured out the Gators' rushing attack, forcing them to lean heavily on the passing game as they tried to keep pace with South Carolina.
There were few positives to take from the loss, but wide receiver Bailey Stockton delivered his best performance of the season. For his efforts, Stockton earns Gators Wire offensive player of the game honors for Week 6.
With Vernell Brown III out for the second straight week, Stockton emerged as Florida's most productive
offensive weapon Saturday, hauling in eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. His 127 receiving yards led the Gators and provided much of the explosiveness the offense struggled to generate elsewhere.
The performance also showed Stockton's ability to handle an increased role in Florida's passing attack. He consistently gave quarterback Aaron Philo an option on the perimeter and made the most of his opportunities, averaging nearly 16 yards per reception.
Among Florida offensive players who logged at least 40 snaps against South Carolina, Stockton finished as the third-highest-graded player.
The route runner's emergence becomes more important as opposing defenses continue to focus on slowing Jadan Baugh and Florida's rushing attack. If teams want to challenge the Gators to beat them through the air, players like Stockton will have opportunities to exploit favorable matchups.
Florida has plenty to correct following another disappointing performance, but Stockton's 127-yard outing gives the Gators something positive to build around as they attempt to get their season back on track.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Bailey Stockton earns offensive player of the game in home loss
