The #20 South Carolina Gamecocks (8-4) will host the #19 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-4) in the Gator Bowl on Friday.
The Irish have dropped their last two bowl games, falling to Alabama 31-14 in the Rose Bowl (CFB Semifinal) on January 1, 2021, and lost to Oklahoma State 37-35 last New Year's Day in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Gamecocks beat North Carolina 38-21 in the Duke's Mayo Bowl last season.
The Gamecocks ended the regular season on a high note, upsetting then No. 5 ranked Tennessee 63-38 and rival No. 8 Clemson 31-30 in the regular season finale. South Carolina is 3-2 against AP Top 25 straight-up this season with a win over Kentucky also under their belt.
“Coach Beamer's been great to me so the least I can do is play in the bowl game.”
Spencer Rattler's (@SpencerRattler ) response when I asked him why he decided to play in the Gator Bowl.
He also reiterated what @kai_kroeger said: “All we got is all we need.”@WLTX | #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/CMSwW0eufh
— Chandler Mack (@chandlerdmack) December 19, 2022
The Gamecocks average 31.7 ppg (45th) and 380.9 (74th) yards of total offense. Quarterback Spencer Rattler averaged just 198.2 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions through the first nine games of the season. In the last two games against Clemson and Tennesse, Rattler has come alive with eight touchdowns against two interceptions and 798 passing yards. Rattler will likely need another big game if the Gamecocks want to knock off the Fighting Irish as their top two rushers, MarShawn Lloyd and Jaheim Bell will not participate in this game.
On defense, South Carolina allowed 392.3 yards (79th) and 27.35 ppg (78th), but they will also be without two starting cornerbacks when they face Notre Dame.