Capital One Bowl 2012: Predictions & Spread Info for Nebraska vs. South Carolina

The Capital One Bowl will be a nice warmup for BCS action when the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

Nebraska is 9-3. Their 5-3 record in Big Ten play was good enough for a third place finish in the Legends Division. They are No. 20 in the BCS.

South Carolina is No. 9. They are 10-2, 6-2 in the SEC. That was good enough for a second place finish in the SEC East.

Where: Citrus Bowl. Orlando, Florida

When: Monday, Jan 2, 2012 at 1 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN. Streamed at ESPN 3. 

Listen: 1400 KLIN-AM, 98.1 KFGE-FM in Lincoln. 107.5 FM in Columbia

Betting Line

South Carolina (-3), according to Bodava. 

I like South Carolina in this one. Even with the injuries, they're a more complete team and have been consistent all season. 

Key Storyline

Both of these teams had BCS aspirations early in the year and neither were all that far from it. It will be interesting to see how these teams bounce back from somewhat disappointing seasons.

Who Might Not Play for Nebraska

Per USA Today

OL Jake Cotton and DT Jared Crick are out. 

OL Andrew Rodriguez is doubtful.

DT Thaddeus Randle, S Courtney Osborne, WR Khiry Cooper, and OL Mike Caputo are questionable.

TE Ben Cotton, DE Eric Martin, and RB Rex Burkhead are probable.

Who Might Not Play For South Carolina

Per USA Today

CB Akeem Auguste, FB Matt Coffee, and RB Marcus Lattimore are out.

DE Jadeveon Clowney and CB C.C. Whitlock are questionable.

T Kyle Nunn, WR Alshon Jeffery, and G Terrence Campbell are probable.

What it Means for Nebraska

At some point, Nebraska is going to have to step up and compete with the elite teams. A win over a good SEC team will give them a lot of confidence for the future. 

What it Means for South Carolina

It would go a long way in establishing them as the top team in the SEC East for the future. South Carolina will have a good group returning next year. A bowl win would set them in the right direction.

What They're Saying

The State editorialized that South Carolina's season should be viewed as a success. Not only for winning at least 10 games, but also for laying a solid groundwork for the future. Says The State:

"

This is the kind of year that’s been anticipated ever since Mr. Spurrier arrived. It has taken time, but he has built a solid foundation that should make the Gamecocks SEC East contenders for the foreseeable future.

"

Jimmie Allen of Husker Corner quoted Alfonzo Dennard, who is looking forward to a potential battle with Alshon Jeffery:

"

It’s very fun...I’m a competitive guy, so I like stuff like that. If he wins, it’s all on him. I’m not going to hold my head down, because he’s a very good player. If I lose against him, I want it to be against a very good player.

 

"

Nebraska Player to Watch

Dennard. If he can limit Jeffery's damage, the situation sets up well for a good game for Nebraska.

South Carolina Player to Watch

Connor Shaw. Turnovers will decide this game. Even if Shaw doesn't have a classically great game, South Carolina is still in a great spot if he doesn't turn it over.

Key Matchup

Jeffery vs. Dennard. This isn't even close. These are two likely first-round draft picks. The winner of this battle will put his team in position to win.

Prediction: South Carolina 27, Nebraska 20

It will be close, but South Carolina is the better team. A big play from Jeffery will make the difference.

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