The South Carolina Gamecocks are headed to Tampa, Fl., to face Michigan in the Outback Bowl. By now you have read "ten things to know about Michigan" and now here are ten reasons to watch the Outback Bowl:
1. It will feature a emerging Gamecock legend by the name of Steve Spurrier on the sidelines coaching once again. With the 27-17 win over Clemson Steve Spurrier won his 65th game at South Carolina, becoming South Carolina’s all-time winningest coach. He has now coached 102 career games at Carolina which is second in all-time games coached. His record at Carolina is now 65-37 with an all-time Carolina record winning percentage of .638. Spurrier also has now won 122 career SEC games, putting him second behind the legendary Bear Bryant (159) and well ahead of legends Johnny Vaught (106) and Vince Dooley (105).
2. You get to watch Jadeveon Clowney. He finished the regular season with 21.5 tackles for loss, breaking Eric Norwood’s single season record of 19.5 set in 2007. Also with 4.5 sacks against Clemson, Clowney became the single season sack record holder with 13, breaking the previous record of 10 set in 1982 by Andrew Provence and tied last year by Melvin Ingram.
3. Likely to see running back Shon Carson getting some reps. He has much upside and it will be on display against the Wolverine defense.
4. The Gamecocks, heading into the game, are a four-point favorite. Can USC cover?
5. USC has a chance to do something that has never been done in the history of their program….acquire back-to-back 11 win seasons. Don't you want to wintess history?
6. Michigan will not rollover in this match-up. One area to watch in this game is how the Gamecocks stop UM in the redzone. The Wolverines are fourth best in the nation in conversions inside the 20.
7. Clowney v. Lewan. The position battle between left tackle Taylor Lewan for UM lined up against defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Both are likely to see lots of Sunday playing time in their future and could be the first of many match-ups for their careers.
8. Which defense will bend? Both teams have good defensive units as UM ranks 16th in the nation in scoring defense (18.8 points) and USC ranks 13th (17.4).
9. Watch to see if USC can contain Michigan's Denard Robinson as he is a playmaker whether under center or as a wideout. Likely to see him doing both so the Gamecocks better be ready to pounce.
10. Loss #2. Be sure to watch so you can see who gets their second loss in the Outback Bowl. Michigan enters with a 3-1 record in Outback Bowl appearances while South Carolina is 2-1.
Make sure to tune in on Jan. 1st as it should be a good football game.
