During tonight’s rendition of “We are the Boys of Old Florida,” the line “Through all kinds of weather, we’ll all stick together” was tested.

The chance to clinch the SEC East title at home against Steve Spurrier escaped the Gators as Florida fell to South Carolina 36-14 in “The Swamp” Saturday.

Not only did tonight’s victory give the Gamecocks their first SEC East title in school history, but it was the first time that South Carolina has taken down the Gators in Gainesville.

The game got off to great start when redshirt freshman Andre Debose returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, but it all went downhill from there.

The Florida offense sputtered all night long and through three quarters, Steve Addazio and Co. had only racked up 67 yards of total offense.

To make matters worse, the defense didn’t do the offense any favors, surrendering 244 yards on the ground (217 from freshman halfback Marcus Lattimore) and allowing South Carolina to score on seven different drives.

Florida had an opportunity to overcome their early season struggles and make 2010 season a special one with a third consecutive trip to the SEC Championship.

Instead, the Gators suffered their third straight loss at home and have to watch the man that once proudly wore the orange and blue lead a rival team to Atlanta.

Couresty of (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)