Gene Sapakoff: 5 reasons why South Carolina will defeat Michigan in the Outback Bowl

  • Posted: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 11:46 a.m.
    UPDATED: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 12:02 p.m.
  • Text size: A A A

South Carolina last season showed it can win a New Year’s Day bowl game in Florida against a Big Ten team.

Five reasons why the No. 11 Gamecocks will beat No. 19 Michigan today (28-17):

1. QB options. Even if Connor Shaw struggles, Clemson-killer Dylan Thompson might not. Or vice versa. This sort of quarterback option is a South Carolina first for Steve Spurrier.

2. Clowney. No player has been as hyped this bowl season, and for good reason. We are watching Jadeveon on the way to NFL riches in the 2014 draft.

3. Offensive line. Underrated, and a big reason why the Gamecocks kept Clemson off the field for most of South Carolina’s 27-17 victory in November.

4. Senior class. D.J. Swearinger, DeVonte Hollomon, Shaq Wilson, T.J. Johnson and pals want to go out in style.

5. 11 again. The 11-win goal, while achieved for the first time in 2011, is no minor goal for South Carolina.

Reach Gene Sapakoff at 937-5593 or on Twitter @sapakoff

Comments { }

Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full Terms and Conditions.