2011 Capital One Bowl Preview

The Capital One Bowl taking place in Orlando, FL pits together two very good teams. The South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Nebraska Huskers in this SEC vs. Big 10 match up. January 2 marks the day of the big game and for all intents and purposes this looks to be a great one. The speed and power of the SEC vs. the history of Nebraska, newcomer to the Big 10 this year.

This game features two teams that in actuality, are completely the same. The Gamecocks finished the season beating their rival Clemson and with a record of 10-2. They even beat Georgia at the beginning of the season but with two SEC losses to Auburn and Arkansas, fell short of making it to the SEC championship game for the second year in a row. The Gamecocks has a great year despite dismissing their starting QB Stephen Garcia and loosing arguable the best running back in the SEC Marcus Lattimore due to a leg injury.

The Gamecocks offense struggled a bit at times this year trying to find itself, but their elite defense help pave the way this season. Their defense is led by key players such as Melvin Ingram, Antonio Allen, and Jadeveon Clowney. The reins of the offense were handed over to young QB Connor Shaw after Garcia's dismissal and the Gamecocks haven't looked back since despite a huge loss in Arkansas. The running back duties have been handed over to break out freshman Brandon Wilds who had three 100 yard games in just his first four starts. And with outstanding WR prospect Alshon Jeffrey, you never know just how good this team can be behind the coaching of the Head Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier.

South Carolina's Melvin Ingram in the second half in Auburn Tigers v South Carolina Gamecocks in the
SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers sport a similar style of team. The offense is led by QB Taylor Martinez who resembles Shaw in many ways with his speed and running ability at the QB position. The Cornhuskers RB is Rex Burkhead who has become a very tough runner this year for teams to stop, and has been electrifying on special teams this year. On the defensive side of the ball they feature a big man on the line that can change games named Jared Crick. This match-up looks to be a great game.

I say the Gamecocks take this 24-17 and win just their second bowl game under Spurrier. This team is the first in many years for USC that seems to have that drive to win. If they can stop the special teams for Nebraska, and have that defensive line of theirs get pressure, look for South Carolina to come out on top.

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) in game action.

Check out this South Carolina vs Nebraska Capital One Bowl Preview on SEC Sports Fan as well.

Read more at Nebraska vs South Carolina Preview.

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