Front Porch FootballBelk Bowl: South Carolina vs. Virginia
The Gamecocks come in with an offense that has been absolutely on fire. 48 points against Ole Miss. 31 points against Florida. 35 points against Clemson. This passing offense is one of the top 25 passing attacks in the country. On the other hand, Virginia is bowl eligible for back-to-back seasons for the first time in over a decade. The Cavaliers took advantage of a horrific ACC Coastal division and come into the Belk Bowl with a 7-5 record. To be honest, this game should not be close. The Gamecocks offense should shred a defense that has preyed upon the likes of Richmond, Ohio, Louisville, and North Carolina, and the Virginia offense is wildly overrated. But this is South Carolina football we are talking about… so who knows.
Player to Watch
Bryce Perkins. Quarterback. Virginia. This is what it all comes down to. I think the Virginia defensive rankings are inflated due to the lack of competition they have faced. South Carolina should put up some points. With that being said, the last time this South Carolina defense was seen on the same field as an offense with an actual pulse, the Clemson Tigers, the Gamecocks were boat raced for 56 points and over 700 yards of offense. If Perkins (a dual threat quarterback – something the Gamecocks have struggled against) plays his best football, this could be a long day for this South Carolina defense.
Key to Game
Does South Carolina’s defense look like it has SEC talent? The talent is there, but with a plethora of injuries, this defense has looked out-gunned and out-manned for most of the season. There is a lot of inexperience on this side of the ball. There was a point in the Clemson game where South Carolina was starting two freshman defensive linemen, two freshman linebackers, and two freshman defensive backs. They have had the month of December to rest up and work on their technique, and with Bryson Allen Williams returning at linebacker, this defense could be much improved. Or it could be same song, second verse.
Stat of the Game
Virginia is currently the 14th best passing defense in the country, having only given up 180 passing yards per game. But the Cavaliers have only faced a single offense with better passing numbers than South Carolina, and that was in a losing effort to NC State that hung 35 points and over 430 yards of total offense on the Hoos.
Conclusion
South Carolina’s defense shows up and Virginia’s is exposed. That’s how I see it going down. The Gamecocks are well rested and showing up to Charlotte with a defense that has some talent. This is the perfect stage to show off that talent and get the Clemson debacle out of their minds. Jake Bentley will put up some impressive numbers, and this offensive line will flex some SEC muscle. If South Carolina was playing NC State, I would be worried, but I have little respect for Virginia.
Prediction
South Carolina 38 Virginia 17
(PS, I know this isn’t going to happen, but it should.)
