The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Virginia Cavaliers didn’t have to travel too far for their collective bowl destination. Here’s what you need to know about the 2018 Belk Bowl.
All things considered with the sheer number of injuries that the South Carolina Gamecocks suffered throughout the season, Will Muschamp’s team really didn’t have that bad of a season. Yes, South Carolina wen’t 7-5 this year and yes, the Gamecocks could have conceivably performed considerably better this year.
But, well, South Carolina also had to deal with 14 season-ending injuries this year. Bronco Mendenhall’s Virginia Cavaliers, on the other hand, don’t have that same sort of excuse for having an identical 7-5 record this season.
However, even though these two teams have identical overall records, they don’t bear many resemblances other than that. South Carolina has been relying upon its offense to carry it in games while its defense remains porous. Meanwhile, Virginia’s defense is solid but its offense sputters regularly.
Teams have only been able to muster 21.8 points and 337.2 yards per game against UVA’s stout defense. South Carolina’s offense has been notably more productive than that this season as the Gamecocks have averaged 440.8 yards and 32.6 points per game. When these two teams meet, contrasting styles will clash.
How to watch and bet on the Belk Bowl
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 29
- Start time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
- Spread: South Carolina -4
- Channel: ABC
- Stream: WatchESPN
Prediction: South Carolina has done a lot to overcome all of the adversity that has led it to this point. The Gamecocks have technically underachieved this season relative to expectations if one doesn’t consider the fact that Muschamp’s team has dealt with an unfortunate abundance of injuries. Expect South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley to be the deciding factor of this game. If Bentley is able to have a big game, then the Gamecocks should be able to come out on top in a close match up.