Columbia, South Carolina: Gamecocks Eye Bowl Game Opportunities
As the 2023 college football season approaches its final stretch, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks are looking forward to a potential bowl game, after likely missing out on the College Football Playoff chase. With a chance to secure their first 10-win season since 2013, the team ponders where they might land and who they might face.
What’s Next for the Gamecocks?
The upcoming bowl season presents an exciting opportunity for the Gamecocks. Currently sitting at 9-3, the Gamecocks seek to complete their season on a high note with a victory in a bowl game, which would mark only the fifth 10-win season in the program’s history.
Where Could They Play?
Multiple possibilities exist for the Gamecocks depending on final rankings and bowl selection processes. The Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for December 31st, is the most coveted destination. It holds the first pick of non-playoff Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams and could select the Gamecocks if current top contender Ole Miss either slips into the playoff or falls behind South Carolina in the rankings by the selection date.
Realistic Opponents
If South Carolina does land in the Citrus Bowl, they would likely face off against Illinois, the only other ranked team from the Big Ten outside of those expected to make the playoffs. This matchup would hold particular interest as Justin Stepp, the former wide receivers coach at South Carolina, is now a part of Illinois’ coaching staff.
Other Bowl Options
If the Citrus Bowl does not pan out, the “pool of six” bowls comes into play, featuring a variety of locations and potential matchups. These include:
- ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida
- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida
- Transperfect Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee
- SRS Distributors Las Vegas Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Tax Act Texas Bowl in Houston, Texas
- Autozone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee
Potential Matchups
The ReliaQuest Bowl typically attracts an SEC team matched with a Big Ten opponent. Should South Carolina be selected, they might face Iowa based on win totals, or potentially Michigan given their strong fanbase and recent performances.
Meanwhile, the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville has the benefit of proximity to Columbia, being only four hours away. If selected, South Carolina could see teams like Syracuse, Duke, or Louisville from the ACC.
Nashville, known for its vibrant atmosphere, could also become a destination for the Gamecocks as they join a growing list of SEC teams.
Geographic Considerations
Travel distances play a significant role in bowl selection. Houston and Memphis may be less likely options due to closer proximity of other SEC bowl-eligible teams, which might draw more attendance and ticket sales.
Conclusion
As the Gamecocks prepare for the postseason, their future remains somewhat flexible. The chance to secure a 10-win season is an exciting prospect, with several bowl opportunities alight on the horizon. The next few days will be crucial in determining both their opponent and venue, as South Carolina aims to capture victory and build on their successful season.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
