Capital One Bowl
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Jan. 2, 1:00 pm ET
Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium (Orlando, Fla.)
Website: http://fcsports.com/CapitalOneBowl.aspx
TV: ESPN
Line: Nebraska -1.0
As far as non-BCS bowls go, this contest has the potential to be one of the best. South Carolina has dealt with key injuries and the Stephen Garcia drama, but Steve Spurrier did one of his best coaching jobs to get the Gamecocks to 10-2.
Nebraska had hoped to be playing in the Rose Bowl in their first season in the Big Ten, but the Cornhuskers were once again inconsistent. However, when Taylor Martinez and Co. are clicking, Nebraska is a tough opponent.
Making This All Possible
Capital One is a corporate behemoth that is one of the nation’s biggest credit card companies. If you have watched TV at any point in the last decade you have obviously watched one of its commercials. It is a Fortune 500 company and is one of the largest banks in the U.S.
Get To Know: Nebraska
The intense coaching style of Bo Pelini can be rather fun to watch as the casual observer, but he can be brutal on his quarterbacks. Sometimes I think Pelini hates offensive players in general. Naturally, he’s a defensive coach and he prefers a no-nonsense approach to offense so his defense is never put in a bad situation. The Cornhuskers have another solid defensive unit, but the average college football fan has probably heard of quarterback Taylor Martinez.
Get To Know: South Carolina
When you look back at the 2011 season, you could see how South Carolina could have gone undefeated. But losses to Auburn and Arkansas cost the Gamecocks a shot at SEC supremacy. How the Gamecocks finished with 10 wins is impressive considering they ended the season without their starting quarterback (Stephen Garcia) and tailback (Marcus Lattimore). Carolina’s defense may actually be a bit better than Nebraska’s.
You Should Know…
Nebraska is playing in its 48th bowl game, which ranks fourth all-time among all college programs. South Carolina is playing in just its 16th bowl game and currently has an abysmal 4-11 record.
If You’re Going
You are in Orlando, so you are somewhat obligated to “Pay the Rat” at least once. But if you have the time, make the short drive over to Cocoa Beach and enjoy the nice weather Florida is having this winter.
If You’re Watching At Home
Break out your Capital One card hours before kickoff and get that gift you didn’t get for Christmas. Maybe you can get a new flat screen to make the rest of the bowl season more enjoyable.
Prediction
Maybe I’m the only one who doesn’t get why Nebraska is a slim favorite. Nebraska was waxed by Washington in last year’s Holiday Bowl and the Cornhuskers were hoping for so much more in their inaugural season in the Big Ten. I also like Spurrier coaching against Pelini. South Carolina’s defense will score at least one time.
South Carolina 27, Nebraska 17
