Independence Bowl 2014: Odds, Schedule, Prediction for Miami vs. South Carolina
The 2014 Independence Bowl features two of the nation's most enigmatic teams in Miami and South Carolina.
The Hurricanes have produced a roller-coaster season, looking great in games against Duke, Cincinnati and Virginia Tech, but struggling in contests against Georgia Tech, Virginia and Pittsburgh. Miami rode a solid running game and defense through most of the season, but it fell apart late, losing its final three contests and finishing with a 6-6 record.
South Carolina earned a preseason top-25 ranking, but that didn't last long after a Week 1 drubbing at the hands of Texas A&M. Still, the Gamecocks managed to produce several good performances this season, highlighted by a 38-35 victory over Georgia. This has been a solid offensive team this year, but it's defense has given up plenty of points en route to a 6-6 standing.
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Both of these teams are coming off losses, and each would love to finish their respective disappointing seasons on a high note by winning the Independence Bowl.
Viewing Information
When: Saturday, December 27
Where: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Betting Info (via Odds Shark):
- Over/Under: 61
- Spread: Miami -3.5
Preview and Prediction
If Miami is to come away with a big win against South Carolina, it needs to get running back Duke Johnson going early and often. He's been the team's offensive catalyst this season when given the opportunity.
On the season, Johnson has carried 218 times for 1,520 yards, an average of 7.0 yards per rush, and 10 touchdowns. A viable receiver out of the backfield, he's also reeled in 33 catches for 370 yards and three additional scores.
Consistent production has made Johnson so valuable this year, as he's averaged no less than 4.5 yards per carry in any single contest. Unfortunately, his usage hasn't been as consistent. He rushed just 18 times while quarterback Brad Kaaya attempted 45 passes in a 35-23 loss to Pittsburgh to end the regular season.
Considering South Carolina owns the nation's 107th-ranked run defense, allowing an average of 214.4 rushing yards per game and a total of 28 rushing touchdowns, the Hurricanes would be wise to ensure Johnson gets a very healthy workload.
Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson has been a little erratic this season. He's thrown for 3,280 yards and 24 touchdowns, but he's accompanied those numbers with 11 interceptions. The senior struggles more when asked to pass more often, throwing eight interceptions in the seven games he attempted 37 or more passes.
Making matters worse for Thompson, Miami owns the nation's 10th-ranked pass defense, allowing an average of just 184.1 yards per game through the air. While Miami has been solid against the run as well, ranking 38th in the nation in that category, South Carolina needs to get its ground game going to circumvent a strong secondary.
The Gamecocks have two very talented backs in Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds. Both are averaging at least 5.0 yards per carry this season, and considering the strengths and weaknesses of its upcoming opponent, South Carolina should be aiming to produce more of a run-heavy offense on Saturday.
This one all comes down to the matchups. The way things currently stand, Miami appears more capable of exploiting South Carolina's weaknesses than the other way around. Expect a big day from the Hurricanes backfield, as they take the Independence Bowl.
Prediction: Miami 31, South Carolina 24
All team rankings and statistics courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of December 26.
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