Outback Bowl Preview 2013
#19 Michigan challenges the #11 South Carolina Gamecocks in the 27th Outback Bowl. It is the third meeting between the two schools with the series tied 1-1 after two meetings in 1980 and 1985, but the first in a bowl game. South Carolina is 4-9 against the Big Ten, and 5-12 in previous bowl games, but is a 5 point favorite in this game. The Gamecocks crushed Nebraska in last year's Capital One Bowl, 30-13. They also made news with NCAA scholarship reductions earlier this year as a result of failing to monitor its football program. There will be about 66,000 fans on hand in Raymond James Stadium for the event; this is the 21st held in Tampa. The Outback Bowl used to be called the Hall of Fame Bowl, and began in 1986; this is the Wolverines 5th appearance, they are 3-1 and the Gamecocks are 2-0 in Outback Bowl appearances beating Ohio State back to back in 2001 and 2002. Michigan is the "home" team, but will wear white uniforms.
On offense, South Carolina had a huge loss when Junior Marcus Lattimore was injured on October 27 for the remainder of the season; he announced he'll turn pro on December 12. Senior Kenny Miles will replace Lattimore at running back, and Freshman Mike Davis is the backup. The Gamecocks also have had bad luck with foot injury problems to Junior Quarterback Conner Shaw, but he appears to be near full strength for this game; he is dangerous running as well as throwing. Shaw ranked 3rd in the SEC and #13 nationally in passing efficiency. As a result of these injuries, South Carolina has struggled offensively; they rank 84th in rushing offense which was 10th of 14 teams in their conference. They ranked 75th in first downs. Their passing offense ranked 65th nationally, and 7th in the SEC; however, their scoring offense ranked 44th which was 5th best in the SEC. The offensive line let opponents average nearly 3 sacks a game. They were nearly 45% in 3rd and 4th down conversions, 5th in the SEC. Their red zone offense ranked 45th nationally and 6th in the SEC. They ranked 49th nationally and 3rd in the SEC in time of possession.
If Shaw's foot bothers him, Sophomore Dylan Thompson is a very capable backup who threw for over 300 yards against #14 Clemson. Junior Ace Sanders and Sophomores Bruce Ellington and Nick Jones are their receivers; Sanders caught 7 TDs, Ellington found the end zone 6 times and Sophomore Tight End Rory Anderson hit paydirt 5 times. Sophomore Damiere Byrd is another backup wide receiver who'll rotate, but Coach Spurrier suspended Senior D.L. Moore and backup offensive lineman Kyle Harris for the game. Spurrier is now the Gamecock's winningest football coach, and has over 200 NCAA football wins as a head coach; he will probably rank in the top 50 of all time in wins after the 2013 season and may move into the Top 20 before his career is over. His son, Steve Jr., coaches the receivers. Their style of play will force the Wolverines into playing a Nickel package most of the game so expect to see a lot of Terrence Richardson and Dennis Norfleet along with corners Ramon Taylor and Courtney Avery matched up on this group of quick, fast wideouts. Also, our linebackers will really need to step up on cover across the middle; we will probably see a lot of James "Big" Ross and Cam Gordon for their cover skills.
The offensive line is led by Senior Center T.J. Johnson, 2nd team All-SEC. Probably the second most intriguing matchup will be Johnson facing Wolverine Nose Tackle and South Carolina native, Quinton Washington. Freshman Brandon Shell is at Right Tackle, and Sophomore Corey Robinson is at Left Tackle; both are between 330-340 lbs. The guards are Junior Ronald Patrick and Sophomore A.J. Cann. Senior Justice Cunningham is their blocking tight end.
On Defense, they are led by Sophomore Jadaveon Clowney. Two seasons ago, he was the nation's #1 recruit, and he is so dominating of a player on defense that many are touting him as a 2013 Heisman candidate already. The most interesting game matchup is Left Tackle Taylor Lewan against Clowney, two sure future NFL players. Senior Devin Taylor is the other defensive end. Senior Aldrick Fordham may also see action at defensive end. Senior Byron Jerideau is one defensive tackle, and Freshman Kelsy Quarles is the other tackle. Seniors Shaq Wilson and Reginald Bowers are the inside linebackers; Devonte Holloman is the outside linebacker or SPR. Seniors Quin Smith and Demario Jeffrey will also see action at linebacker. In the backfield, the Cocks are led by Senior Free Safety D.J. Swearinger; he is the second leading tackler behind Wilson. Sophomore Victor Hampton and Senior Akeem Auguste are the corners, and Sophomore Brison Williams is the strong safety. Junior Jimmy Legree will also see action in the Nickel package. They are a big, quick and experienced defense that will be tough to move against. My guess is that Michigan plans to execute an offensive game plan that will emphasize passing more on first and second downs.
Special teams are explosive with punt returner, Ace Sanders; he is the nation's top punt returner averaging nearly 15 yards per return, and he set a school record this season. Both Delonte Hollowell and Josh Furman will need to play their best games as "gunners." Ellington handles the kickoff returns. Their field goal kicker is Senior Adam Yates; he is 11 of 15 in field goals and 46 of 46 in extra points. He has a 51 yarder, but also two field goal attempts were blocked. Yates also averages 62.7 yards on kickoffs with 31 touchbacks in 56 attempts. Sophomore Tyler Hull is their punter; he averages 39.4 in 51 punts with 11 downed inside the 20.
The two most impressive wins this season for the Gamecocks was the 35-7 thrashing of #6 Georgia when Lattimore was playing, and the 27-17 win over arch-rival Clemson on the road with nearly 40 minutes time of possession gaining them 27 more offensive plays. Their defense allowed Clemson only 91 yards and 3 points in the second half. Clowney recorded 5 sacks in destroying the Tigers.
Their worst loss was when they were overwhelmed by #4 Florida, 44-11, in Gainsville. They were tied with Wofford, #9 ranked in FCS, after 3 quarters, 7-7, before winning 24-7 after 3 fumbles lost by the Terriers. South Carolina played 8 games at home during the 2012 campaign. The key to winning the game against South Carolina will be in stopping their offense so the pressure will be on our defense. If we can contain the Gamecock offense with our Nickel package to thwart both their running and passing attacks, it will give our offense a chance to win the game. Our offense will need to be successful passing the ball to move effectively against the Gamecocks because time of possession is one category we need to win in this game. I think we are up to the challenge.
Michigan 27 South Carolina 17