Bailey Stockton had little interest in discussing his individual performance after Florida‘s 38-19 loss to South Carolina. The Gators’ receiver made it clear that personal statistics mean little when the team cannot find a way to win.
Florida’s offense struggled for the second consecutive week, failing to capitalize on red-zone opportunities while dealing with protection problems, turnovers and another game without injured receiver Vernell Brown III. Stockton placed the responsibility on the players rather than offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, emphasizing that better execution begins with more focused preparation during the week.
Stockton also discussed his recovery from an injury that briefly knocked him out of action, his confidence in quarterback Aaron Philo and the importance of having as many healthy playmakers available as possible. With Texas awaiting Florida next week, he challenged the Gators to improve their practice habits and put the disappointing loss behind them.
Here’s everything Stockton had to say.
What was Stockton’s reaction to Florida’s offensive performance against South Carolina?
We just got to execute better. I mean, there’s 11 guys on the field, and we’re just not all doing our job on one play. I just think we got to lock in. It starts with Tuesday practices.
What has changed for Florida’s offense over the last two games?
I just think it starts with the practice habits. I think Tuesday practices and Wednesday practices are big for us, and even the walkthroughs. I just think we need to be more intentional with it.
How does Stockton evaluate his individual performance against South Carolina?
I don’t really care about that because I could have zero catches. I just want to win, to be honest with you.
Is facing Texas an opportunity for Florida to get back on track?
That’s one of the things we talked about in the locker room. We’re ready for next week. We need to put this behind us, come in tomorrow, watch the tape, get ready for work. It’s a big test, and I think we’re ready.
What has Stockton’s recovery from injury been like?
Yeah, I mean, I was knocked out. I just felt like the team, you know, VB (Vernell Brown III) was out at the time. I went back in, and then I kind of took the week off of practice and then came back last week.
I’m banged up, but the team needs to win. We got to win. And I think the more players that play, (there’s) a better opportunity for that to happen.
How does Stockton assess Aaron Philo’s performance and development?
Yeah, he’s a competitor. He’s not going to take this lightly. Back to what I said about Tuesday practice, I just think it starts in practice. You just can’t go out on Saturday and think you’re going to beat an SEC opponent. All SEC games are big games, and I just think that starts in practice.
How does Stockton expect Buster Faulkner to handle Florida’s recent offensive struggles?
Personally, I think it’s a player thing right now. I don’t think it has anything to do with the coaches. I think we’ve got to go out there and execute and do our job. Coaches put us in a great position all the time, and we’re just not all 11 doing what we need to do.
Have opposing defenses confused Florida with disguised coverages?
Yeah, I think every team does window dressing in a way, just pre-snap and then post-snap. But I don’t think that really matters that much, to be honest with you.
How frustrating were Florida’s missed opportunities in the red zone?
Yeah, I mean, the name of the game is to score as many points as you can. When you get in the red zone, you’ve got to capitalize, and you’ve got to get six on the board. It starts with taking care of the ball, and we just got to get better.
Does Stockton believe the coaching staff deserves blame for the loss?
No, ma’am, I don’t think so. Like I said, they put us in a great position. It has nothing to do with the coaches. I think it starts with the players, to be honest.
How much has Vernell Brown III’s absence affected Florida’s offense?
Yeah, he’s obviously a difference-maker. He’s arguably, you know, he’s a playmaker. You get him the ball, you see what he can do. But I just think it’s all 11 of us. It’s not just one guy. We need to go out there, and we’ve just got to execute, all 11 of us.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Bailey Stockton puts Florida’s offensive woes on players, not coaches