Pointwise
SOUTH CAROLINA (9-4) vs FLORIDA STATE (9-4)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
7:30 PM EST -- ESPN TELEVISION
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
So Caro ...... 50.9 .. 32-23 .. 20-17 .. 156-104 .. 236-254 .. + 4 . Florida St
Florida St ... 50.4 .. 32-20 .. 20-20 .. 168-128 .. 219-221 .. + 0 . by 3.7 Pts
ANALYSIS
For the first time since the '77 Tangerine Bowl, the Seminoles of Florida State
won't have Bobby Bowden pacing the sidelines. Arriving in Tallahassee in '76,
he guided the 'Noles to 31 bowls in his 34 years at the helm, missing only in
'76 (5-6), '78 (8-3), & '81 (6-5). But every year since, with this marking an
astonishing
29th straight bowl campaign. Time marches on, thus Bobby has
been replaced this year by Jimbo Fisher, who was moved up from defensive
coordinator. And the Gators have responded in the stop unit aspect, moving
from 108th in total "D" in '09 to 41st this year. This squad exemplifies the word
competitive, with only that hiccup 47-17 loss at Oklahoma in their 2nd game
bucking the trend, as FlaSt's other 2 regular season losses were by scant 4 &
2 pt margins. Their 9 regular season wins are their most since '03, & they
reached 30+ pts in 8 games, including a 31-7 rout of Florida. QB Ponder has
missed 2 games, but should be ready. No doubt that the Gamecocks of South
Carolina will also be ready, as they are yet another bowl-tested squad since
the arrival of Steve Spurrier in '05, with this marking their 5th bowl slot in his 6
years. The past 2 years have seen 31-10 & 20-7 holiday season losses for
the 'Cocks (17 & 17 pt ATS losses). Returning 15 starters, including QB Garcia,
they've certainly had their moments, including a stunning 35-21 upset of then
#1 Alabama (21-pt cover). And that directly on the heels of a 35-27 loss to
Auburn, blowing a 27-21 lead, with 4 TOs in the 4th. And, of course, their SEC
title rematch was no contest. In RB Lattimore, SC has perhaps the best player
on the field. But the 'Noles have covered their last 6 bowls. Grab the TD spot.
PROPHECY: FLORIDA STATE 33 - South Carolina 31 RATING: 2