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Bowl projections after Week 8: South Carolina is getting closer to bowl eligibility

South Carolina is two games away from being bowl-eligible, and they have a lot of opportunities left to get there.

By Ericka Brockish

South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs past Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Trace Ford (30) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs past Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Trace Ford (30) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. / BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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South Carolina is 4-3 heading into their second bye week of the season and is just two wins away from becoming bowl-eligible. However, the rest of their schedule poses some challenges, but the Gamecock's play against Oklahoma gave fans hope for being more than just bowl-eligible this season.

With half of the season in the books, teams are beginning to think about bowl games and where they could be playing. With three losses on the season, the Gamecocks are out of contention for the College Football Playoff, even with the expanded format, but they can still hope for a formidable bowl game at the end of the season.

Possible Bowl Game Options for South Carolina: Where Could They Play?

Bowl Game:

ESPN (Mark Schlabach): Birmingham Bowl vs. Boston College December 27, 2024, Birmingham, AL
ESPN (Kyle Bonagura): Texas Bowl vs. Cincinnati December 31, 2024, Houston, TX

The Athletic: Gasparilla Bowl vs. Minnesota December 20, 2024, Tampa, FL

CBS: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Colorado December 27, 2024, Las Vegas, NV

247Sports: TransPerfect Music City Bowl vs. Michigan December 30, 2024, Nashville, TN

Key Games Left on South Carolina’s Schedule That Could Determine Their Bowl Game

South Carolina has five games left on their schedule, and four of the last five are crucial games. It all starts after their second bye week, with Texas A&M coming to town on Homecoming weekend. If the defense can play the way they did against Oklahoma, with the crowd on their side and the offense having two weeks to prepare, they could have a real chance against the ranked Aggies.

Then they have a matchup at Vanderbilt, and while in years past, this game has been an easy win, the Commodores have surprised everyone as they are now ranked No. 25 heading into their matchup against Texas. Then the Gamecocks host Mizzou at home and the Tigers are not as mighty as they were last season.

Their final two games are against Wofford and Clemson. Wofford should be an easy win, and the game against Clemson is always a toss-up. South Carolina only needs two more wins in order to become bowl-eligible, and looking at the final five games, with the way South Carolina is playing right now, they should get them and more.

Potential Opponents for South Carolina in Their Bowl Game

Each bowl projection has South Carolina facing a different opponent in a different bowl game. The first of the two ESPN projections has the Gamecocks facing Boston College, which was high-flying at the beginning of the season, but some of that came from a win over a then-ranked Florida State team that is now 1-6. The second ESPN projection has the Gamecocks facing Cincinnati, who has taken a big step forward in the Big 12 this season.

The Athletic is projecting South Carolina to face Minnesota, who has struggled on defense this season, but they are still looking like a tough team to play, especially in a bowl game. The most formidable opponent the Gamecocks are projected to play is CBS's projection of the Gamecocks facing Colorado, who definitely has taken a big step forward this season. The Buffaloes now have a high-flying offense, but a defense that struggles to stop the run.

Finally, 247Sports has the Gamecocks playing Michigan at this point in the season. The reigning National Champions have fallen from grace this season with a whole new roster and coaching staff. The defense looks like a completely different team this season, which South Carolina could easily expose, and the Gamecocks' defense could devour the Wolverine offense, especially with the uncertainty at the quarterback position.

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