Both Miami and South Carolina entered the season with plenty of hype, as their offenses were expected to be prolific, but key losses suffered throughout the year ruined both team's chances at a run for the college football playoffs. South Carolina's chances ended early with a loss at the start of the year to Texas A&M while Miami fell to Florida State despite pushing the Seminoles throughout the game. Now both teams hope a win in the bowl game will push momentum for the coming year.
Miami might have missed a few chances this season, but they are showing real promise for 2015. That showed during the game against Florida State holding a 13-point lead, but eventually fell 30-26. The Hurricanes eventually ended 6-6 on the year while reaching their second straight bowl appearance after the NCAA sanctions. The issue for the Hurricanes will be Al Golden's future as rumors swirl over a firing. Miami is 8-10 in the last 18 games which does not sit well with the U faithful.
Miami's key to the game will be running back Duke Johnson. He finished just shy of 1,000 yards in his first two seasons with the team, but put up 1,520 yards and 10 touchdowns this year while inking the all-time leading rushing title for Miami. He has been averaging 7.0 yards per carry while also having 370 yards receiving. He could have a big game against South Carolina who has let rushers like Todd Gurley and Hank McCloud for over 100 yards.
The Gamecocks had major issues on defense this season. They allowed nine players rush for 100 yards despite their high preseason No. 9 ranking. They gave up 433 yards in nine of their 12 games while letting opponents average 31.8 points per game. The loss of defensive tackle Jadeveon Clowney was clear for South Carolina who never replaced his effort. This is the seventh straight bowl appearance for head coach Steve Spurrier who will return next season.