Gamecocks in the Sunshine State? 🏈

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Bowl game predictions for Gamecock Football.

If you’re a hardcore Gamecock fan like me, the Palmetto Bowl was rather disappointing (PTL that’s over with), so I’m focusing on the task ahead – the next bowl game. Because an eight-win season is still something to celebrate.

But first, an image to soothe your soul. ⬇

Tiger Burn

Photo courtesy of UofSC

Okay, now we can all move on.

Here’s where the experts predict Gamecock Football will go bowling:

🏈 ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura | Taxslayer Bowl | Jacksonville, F.L. | vs. Virginia Tech | Dec. 30

🏈 247Sports | Taxslayer Bowl | Jacksonville, F.L. | vs. Virginia Tech | Dec. 30

🏈 ESPN’s David Hale | Outback Bowl | Tampa, F.L. | vs. Michigan State | Jan. 1

🏈 SBNation | Citrus Bowl | Orlando, F.L. | vs. Notre Dame | Jan. 1

🏈 CBSSports’ Jerry Palm | Citrus Bowl | Orlando, F.L. | vs. Northwestern | Jan. 1

🏈 CollegeFootballNews | Outback Bowl | Tampa, F.L. | vs. Michigan | Jan. 1

🏈 SI.com | Outback Bowl | Tampa, F.L. | vs. Michigan | Jan. 1

🏈 Brett McMurphy | Outback Bowl | Tampa, F.L. | vs. Michigan | Jan. 1

See the common theme? Looks like the Gamecocks are probably headed to Florida – playing in either the Taxslayer Bowl, Citrus Bowl or Outback Bowl. I know our fans will gladly make the road trip for some football + warmer weather.

🏈 My pick: Outback Bowl | Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, F.L. | vs. Michigan | Jan. 1 | 12 p.m.

The Gamecocks are 8-13 all time in bowl games. After last year’s 6-6 season, we lost to South Florida in OT 46-39 at the Birmingham Bowl. But we’ve had a fairly decent track record in the Outback Bowl:

🍤 The Gamecocks are 3-1 all time in the Outback.

🍤 The ‘Cocks beat Ohio State twice in the bowl under former Coach Lou Holtz.

🍤 In 2013’s Outback Bowl vs. Michigan, Jadeveon Clowney made the famous play simply referred to as “the hit.” UofSC defeated Michigan 33-28, finishing 11-2.

This season, the Michigan Wolverines are one of two Power 5 teams with a winning recordbut no wins against a team that finished the season with a winning record. Let’s keep it that way.

Bowl selections will be announced on Sundaythe day after the SEC Championship game.

Pack you sun lotion + swim trunks, Gamecocks. I’ll meet y’all in the Sunshine State. I’m definitely planning for an extra day at Busch Gardens or Disney World.

Beth

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