South Carolina football: Gamecocks’ chances of making each bowl game
By Jacob Elsey
Outback and Citrus Bowls – < 25% CHANCE
Outback Bowl
Jan.1, 2022
Tampa, FL at Raymond James Stadium
The Outback bowl features one of the SEC’s top teams and a top performer from the Big 10. Played in the home of the Tampa Bay Bucs, it’s one of college football’s more prestigious postseason matchups.
The Gamecocks have played in the Outback Bowl more than any other bowl game, notching five different appearances. They’ve had success, too, winning four of those contests. South Carolina most recently played in the 2017 edition, taking down Michigan 26-19. The Gamecocks overcame a 16-point second half deficit in that game to pull the upset. These two teams also met in the 2012 Outback Bowl, a game that featured “The Hit” by Jadeveon Clowney and a last second victory for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina has also taken down Ohio State twice in the event, posting back-to-back victories in ’00 and ’01. The lone loss came in ’08 against Iowa. Though the Gamecocks have represented the SEC in the Outback Bowl on numerous occasions, it will likely take eight wins or more to earn a bid this year. That seems just a bit out of the realm of possibilities when looking at the schedule.
Citrus Bowl
Jan. 1, 2022
Orlando, FL at Camping World Stadium
The Citrus Bowl has gone through a few different name changes over the years, evolving from the Tangerine Bowl to the Citrus to the Capital One Bowl, and now, back to the Citrus Bowl. The Gamecocks have made three appearances in the event, with the latest being a 34-24 win over Wisconsin following the 2013 season. South Carolina also took down Nebraska in the 2011 edition, and lost to Miami (OH) way back in 1975.
The game typically pits the SEC and Big 10 together, but like the Outback Bowl, it will likely take eight wins or more to be considered. The Gamecocks would have to really surprise some folks to get to that level.