USF and South Carolina enter this year’s Birmingham Bowls under some pretty different circumstances. The Bulls are coming off of their first-ever 10-win season, but much of that is credited to former head coach Willie Taggart, who has settled into his new digs at Oregon. South Carolina, on the other hand, looked to be headed towards an unexpected seven or eight-win season in Will Muschamp’s first year, but losses in the Gamecocks’ last three games brought them to 6-6 on the season.
South Florida vs. South Carolina, 2016 Birmingham Bowl: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Can the Bulls find success without Willie Taggart?
Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images
One of the biggest questions entering this game surrounds how the Bulls will come out without their head coach. USF has since hired former Texas head coach Charlie Strong, but Taggart’s co-offensive coordinator T.J. Weist will be the interim head man for this bowl.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN. The announcers are Eamon McAnaney, John Congemi, and Kevin Weidl.
Radio: USF and South Carolina
Online streaming: You can catch the game on WatchESPN.
Spread: USF is currently an 11-point favorite.
Make friends: SB Nation’s The Daily Stampede covers USF, and Garnet And Black Attack covers South Carolina.
Three big things to know
1. Which Jake Bentley will show up? The South Carolina quarterback was a big reason for the Gamecocks’ three victories over UMass, Tennessee and Missouri, throwing two touchdowns in each. However, in South Carolina’s final three games, Bentley regressed, throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions.
2. Quinton Flowers leads USF’s offense. The junior has put up some impressive numbers this season. He threw for over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, along with only four interceptions. He also is the Bulls’ leading rusher, with 1,425 yards and 15 touchdowns.
3. Will Muschamp hasn’t won a bowl in five years. His last bowl victory came in the 2011 Gator Bowl, which was after his first season as Florida’s head coach. The Gators beat Ohio State 24-17. The last bowl Muschamp coached in was the 2012 Sugar Bowl, in which Louisville crushed Florida 33-23.
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