Big Ten Conference Bowl Games: Prediction roundtable

Outback Bowl

Michigan vs South Carolina

January 1, 2018 12:00 p.m. ET

Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida

The last Big Ten team to take the field during this bowl season will be the Michigan Wolverines. An interesting New Year’s Day battle with the South Carolina Gamecocks in Tampa awaits Jim Harbaugh and his team.

Michigan finished the regular season with a disappointing 8-4 record. It was a tough year for the Wolverines on offense, particularly in the passing attack. Struggles at the quarterback position all season led to Michigan’s No. 112 ranking in passing offense.

Fortunately, the defense is still tough and does a good job at keeping the game close.

South Carolina also finished with an 8-4 record, but two of the losses game to then-No. 1 Georgia and then-No. 3 Clemson. The Gamecocks struggled all year on offense and averaged just 24 points a game. They will certainly have their hands full with the nation’s No. 3 defense.

Points could be at a premium in the Outback Bowl — so which team does the VBR staff think will come out victorious?

Co-Site Expert Barry Leonard: Michigan 17  South Carolina 10

Co-Site Expert Collin Wieder: Michigan 21 South Carolina 17

Contributor Corey Hunter: Michigan 23  South Carolina 17

Contributor Marty Leap: Michigan 17   South Carolina 20

Contributor Joe Ciminera: Michigan 24  South Carolina 17

Contributor Dylan Burd: Michigan 20  South Carolina 13

Contributor Shane Lunnen: Michigan 20  South Carolina 21