What the South Carolina Gamecocks Have Learned About The Michigan Wolverines

November 17, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines fan waves a flag during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With just three days to go until the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Outback Bowl, it’s time to look at what SC learned about the Maize and Blue this season.

For one, Michigan’s offense is as dynamic as ever.
South Carolina has played dynamic offenses this year; Clemson’s offense is quite dynamic. Wofford’s offense is dynamic (yeah, they’re DII, so what?). Georgia’s offense, although not really multidimensional, was still, at least, explosive this season. None of those teams can do what the Wolverines do offensively, though. Michigan can throw multiple quarterbacks and running backs at its opponents, and one of its quarterbacks also can play running back. Denard Robinson is a beast, and it will be hard even for Jadeveon Clowney to slow him down.

Also, The Wolverines can hang with almost anyone.
I say almost anyone, because the one team they were blown out by is Alabama. I’m not saying SC is Bama just because both teams play in the SEC, but, then again, the only times Michigan faced a top flight defense it scored a combined 20 points (Vs Bama, Notre Dame). Still, the Wolverines did stick in it against Nebraska, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, so don’t expect the Outback Bowl to be a blow out.

Finally, SC might have the edge on special teams for the first time all season.
With Will Hagerup suspended by the Wolverines for the bowl game, SC might just be able to outplay Michigan on special teams. Hagerup averaged 45 yards per punt, with a long of 62. His backup is no where near those numbers, and actually worse than SC’s Tyler Hull, who averaged just below 40 yards per punt this season. Ace Sanders has proven this season that all he needs is one mistake by the punt team to go the distance.