The Gamecocks come in with their first winning regular season since 2013.
Each Monday, we’ll take a look at Michigan’s upcoming opponent by gathering all the information and links you need to get to know the opposition.
The Wolverines (8-4,5-4 Big Ten) will play South Carolina at noon on Jan. 1 in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Gamecocks (8-4,5-3 SEC) are coming off a 34-10 loss to Clemson in their regular-season finale.
THE FACTS
Michigan opens as 7-point favorite vs. South Carolina
BY THE NUMBERS
4 – The number of years it’s been since South Carolina last completed a regular season with a winning record. Since their 12-win season in 2013, the Gamecocks have compiled a combined record of 24-26.
12 – The Gamecocks rank 12th (out of 14 teams) in the SEC in total offense, averaging 340 yards per game. They throw for 212.9 yards per game, good for fourth in the league, but rush for just 127 yards per game.
16 – Touchdowns thrown by South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley, who has 2,555 yards passing in his sophomore season. He’s also thrown 11 interceptions.
375 – Number of yards allowed per game by the Gamecocks defense, which ranks seventh in the SEC. They’ve allowed more than 450 yards twice, including 504 in the season opener against North Carolina State.
705 – Receiving yards for South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards, who has four touchdowns and ranks ninth among all SEC receivers. He had six catches for 70 yards in USC’s loss to Clemson on Nov. 25.
1,827 – The number of days that passed since Michigan and South Carolina last met on the football field, Jan. 1,2013 in the Outback Bowl. The Gamecocks beat the Wolverines, 33-28.
GAMECOCKS NEWS
4 potential items on the Gamecocks‘ Outback Bowl to-do list
South Carolina looking for history in fifth trip to Outback Bowl
Quartet of offensive standouts expected back for Outback Bowl
