The Birmingham Bowl is not one of the more prestigious bowl games but it is a bowl game nonetheless. It will be played on Thursday, December 28 by the South Florida Bulls and South Carolina Gamecocks in the teams’ second ever FBS meeting.
- South Carolina is 7-0 SU in its last 7 games against the American Athletic Conference.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of South Carolina's last 7 games in the playoffs.
USF was in line for a shot to take the American Athletic Conference title but the Bulls were knocked out of contention in their division when they fell to Temple, the eventual AAC champions. They will now have to settle for a chance to take home the Birmingham Bowl and will be large betting favorites before kickoff.
Will Muschamp’s teams have been easily identified over the years for their distinct lack of ability to play offense and that didn’t change much this season. Eight of the Gamecocks’ 12 games went UNDER, so keep your eyes on the total and if it’s not irrationally low, you may want to consider an UNDER bet.
That said, the Bulls felt a little cheated by not receiving a berth in the AAC title game and should have a significant chip on their shoulder coming into this one. Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers is a legitimate weapon and could win this game single-handedly if he puts his head – and legs – to it.
USF Bulls vs South Carolina Gamecocks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The South Carolina Gamecocks are 6-6 so far on the season, and 5-7 ATS vs the point spread. The USF Bulls, meanwhile, are 10-2 and 8-4 ATS. Those over under betting have seen South Carolina go 4-8 and the USF Bulls go 9-3 on the totals. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and South Carolina vs USF injuries news.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the South Carolina Gamecocks rated this week at No. 105 and the USF Bulls sitting at No. 36.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the South Carolina Gamecocks No. 122-ranked offense (19.25 PPG) against a USF Bulls defense that ranks No. 86 at 31 PPG. The South Carolina Gamecocks passing attack has averaged 198.42 yards per game, less than the USF Bulls give up through the air (276.83 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the USF Bulls own the league's No. 86-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 216 yards per game when on the road. South Carolina, on the other hand, rates No. 71 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last game, USF got a 155-yard performance from Marlon Mack as a key part of its 48-31 win over UCF.
South Carolina didn't make much of a game of it last time out, losing to the Tigers as Clemson blasted them 56-7 in Week 13 action.
- South Florida is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games
- South Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games
- South Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
- South Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- South Carolina is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 11 of South Carolina's last 16 games
