Willie Taggart built a very good football team at USF. He’s now gone to Oregon, but the talent still remains. What will give the Gamecocks problems is the 1-2 rushing punch of QB Quinton Flowers and RB Marlon Mack. They will make this a statement victory for the Bulls. Lay the points.

My simulations suggest a one-score game in the Birmingham Bowl between an explosive South Florida team and a South Carolina club that might not be getting enough respect. The Gamecocks struggled on offense all season, but their defense held all SEC opponents to 28 points or fewer. They will likely present the most resistance the Bulls have faced and this could be a flat motivational spot after they lost coach Willie Taggart to Oregon. Back the double-figure underdog in this one.