College Football: 5 most interesting bowl games
By Zach Bigalke
4. Outback Bowl — Michigan vs. South Carolina
Five years ago, in the penultimate season of the BCS era, Michigan and South Carolina faced one another at the Outback Bowl in Tampa. The Gamecocks ultimately prevailed 33-28 in that showdown, coming back from a but the game is remembered best for The Hit.
Jadeveon Clowney made himself a household name in that game, blasting Wolverines running back Vincent Smith immediately after he received the handoff. Smith’s helmet went flying, the tailback dropped the football, and Clowney scooped up the turnover almost nonchalantly. South Carolina scored on a big passing play on the next down, and came back to win 33-28.
No single player on either sideline has been quite as dominant in 2017 as Clowney for the 2012 Gamecocks. But Michigan will get the chance to finally avenge that loss on the same football field, as they meet up once again with the Gamecocks at the Outback Bowl.
South Carolina finished second in the SEC East, while Michigan ended the regular season fourth in the loaded Big Ten East. This gem on New Year’s Day will be well worth watching for every football fan out there, whether you support one of the teams or not.