The Independence Bowl has been around since 1976. The game has had seven sponsors over the last 38 years, ranging from Poulan Weedeater to AdvoCare. But now, for the first time ever, the game will be called the Duck Commander Independence Bowl, instantly shooting it to the top of the bowl game name power rankings. This year, Miami and South Carolina will fight to be king of the ducks, according to ESPN.
2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl, Miami vs. South Carolina: Date, time, location and more
The Duck Dynasty gang decided to sponsor a football game.
Duck Commander is, you guessed it, one of the nation’s leading duck call companies. It’s run and owned by the Duck Dynasty gang, which took over TV with their quirky redneck ways.
Duck Commander also sells a wide assortment of duck hunting equipment and accessories. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s game.
Date and time, ET: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV channel: ABC
Location: Shreveport, La.
Stadium: Independence Stadium; 49,427
Last year's score: Arizona Wildcats 42, Boston College Eagles 19
Last year’s attendance: 36,917
Last year’s TV rating: 1.7
Last year’s payout for each school: $1.1 million
Team with the most all-time appearances: Ole Miss Rebels, five
Team with the most all-time wins: Ole Miss, four
South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6, 3-5 SEC)
South Carolina was expected to compete for the SEC East title this year, and possibly make an outside run at the College Football Playoff. Instead, the team slid from a preseason No. 9 ranking all the way down to 6-6. Their first loss to in-state rival Clemson in five years was just the cherry on top of a wretched year.
When he’s able to link up with quarterback Dylan Thompson, wide receiver Pharoh Cooper is probably Carolina’s most explosive player. He caught 60 balls for 966 yards and eight touchdowns, and also rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Good things happen when the ball ends up in his hands.
Last bowl game: 2014 Capital One Bowl, 34-24 win vs. Wisconsin
All-time bowl record: 7-12
Head coach’s bowl record: Steve Spurrier, 10-10
Miami Hurricanes (6-6, 3-5 ACC)
2014 has to be marked as a disappointment for Miami. The Hurricanes rode a late three-game losing streak to a 6-6 record, a significant step back from 2013’s 9-4 campaign. Miami’s game against Florida State, where they burst out to an early lead before crumbling in the second half, feels like a microcosm for the whole year. Head coach Al Golden has received public support, but you have to wonder how much rope he has left.
It’s not all grim for the Hurricanes, though. Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya showed flashes of brilliance during a very good year, and should be the foundation on which the program builds going forward.
Last bowl game: 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl, 36-9 loss vs. Louisville
All-time bowl record: 18-17
Head coach’s bowl record: Al Golden, 0-2
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