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Big Ten Bowl Preview: 2018 Outback Bowl

By Marty Leap

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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In the finale of bowl season for the Big Ten, the Michigan Wolverines and South Carolina Gamecocks will do battle in the Outback Bowl on New Years Day

Bowl season has been extremely successful for the Big Ten. On New Years Day, Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines will look to keep the success going for the Big Ten in the Outback Bowl. The Wolverines also have an opportunity to end bowl season on a high note for the conference as this is the final game of bowl season for the Big Ten.

Game: Outback Bowl
Teams: Michigan Wolverines (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) vs South Carolina Gamecocks (8-4, 5-3 SEC)
Time: January 1, 12:00 PM
Location: Raymond James Stadium; Tampa Bay, Florida
TV: ESPN2

At 8-4, the 2017 season did not go as Wolverine fans would have hoped. Michigan struggled immensely on offense this season and they were outscored 111-53 in their four losses. However, the Wolverine defense was among the best int he FBS in 2017.

Quarterback was revolving door for Michigan in 2017. Wilton Speight started the season, struggled, and then got injured, ending his season. This led to John O’Korn and Brandon Peters both playing quarterback and both struggling.

O’Korn finished as the team’s leading passer with 956 yards, however, he completed just 53.2 percent of his passes, he threw just two touchdowns, and he was intercepted six times. Peters was better (57.8 percent completion rate, 486 yards, four touchdowns, and zero turnovers) but his performance still leaves a lot to be desired.

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When it comes to running the ball, the Wolverines go running back by committee. Karan Higdon (929), Chris Evans (661), and Ty Isaac (548) all rushed for at least 500 yards this season. Isaac missed the final four games of the regular season, but he plans to play in the Outback Bowl. Outside of true freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones, who owns 16 receptions for 219 yards, the Wolverines lack a true playmaker at wide receiver. Especially with fellow true freshman Tarik Black out for the season.

Add in what has been a poor offensive line, and it is easy to see why the Wolverines rank 90th in the FBS in scoring offense at just 25.8 points per game. According to S&P+, Michigan’s offense is 74th in the FBS in offensive efficiency.

Led by defensive coordinator Dom Brown the Wolverine defense is among the best in the FBS. Anchored by one of the best defensive lines in the country with players such as Mo Hurst, Rashan Gary, and Chase Winovich the Wolverines rank 10th in the FBS in defensive efficiency and 14th in scoring defense (18.3 points per game). Linebacker Khaleke Hudson is another player to watch after recording 6.5 sacks and a Big Ten leading 15 tackles for a loss this season.

Much like Michigan, South Carolina has struggled offensively this season. The Gamecocks rank 88th in the FBS in offensive efficiency and 102nd in scoring offense (24.1 points per game).

The Gamecock defense was average during the regular season. They rank 44th in the FBS in defensive efficiency and 26th in points allowed (20.8 points per game).

South Carolina is led by quarterback Jake Bentley who completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,555 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Bentley also rushed for six touchdowns. Turnovers can be an issue for Bentley though as he threw 11 interceptions and lost a pair of fumbles during the regular season.

Undoubtedly, the aggressive and opportunistic Wolverine defense will be looking to take advantage of Bentley’s sloppiness in this game.

Like Michigan, South Carolina uses multiple running backs. AJ Turner (517 yards, three touchdowns) and Ty’Son Williams (460 yards, one touchdown) both will see plenty of reps at running back. Mon Denson (148 yards, two touchdowns) will see some carries as well.

The best wide receivers for the Gamecocks is Bryan Edwards who hauled in 59 passes for 705 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. Hayden Hurst (518 yards and two touchdowns) will see plenty of targets as well, and freshman Shi Smith is a big play threat.

Fans watching the Outback Bowl can expect a low scoring defensive battle. Neither Michigan nor South Carolina has a good offense and both have struggled all season long on offense. When it comes to defense the Wolverines hold the edge and that is why the Wolverines are 7.5 point favorites.

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