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2009 Outback Bowl Predictions – Iowa v. South Carolina Football Odds & Picks

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 31, 2008

iowa-sc

South Carolina is gaining a reputation for fading down the stretch. The Gamecocks will try to divert some of that negative attention as it tries to avoid a third straight defeat in the January 1 Outback Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes. It will be no easy task for the Gamecocks who are coming up against one of the best running backs in the nation in Shonn Greene as well as one of the country’s best defenses. Iowa has ridden the aforementioned to five wins in its last six games, including one over then-undefeated Penn State, and college football odds makers like the Hawks to keep right on rolling. Iowa is a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 43.

South Carolina wasted no time becoming bowl eligible this season with six wins in its first seven games. But the Gamecocks fell in consecutive game to end the regular season, which included a 56-6 rout by Florida and a 31-14 loss to Clemson. The loss to Florida was the worst defeat of coach Steve Spurrier’s career and the loss to Clemson was the third in four games. South Carolina has now faded down the stretch in three of the last four seasons.

The Hawkeyes head into this game on the other end of the spectrum. Iowa weathered the storm after a three-game mid-season losing streak, winning five of its last six to go Florida Bowling once again. During that run, Iowa ended Penn State’s national title hopes and crushed Missouri 55-0 to end the season. Iowa has ridden running back Shonn Greene, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award Winner all season long. Greene set a school record with 1,729 rushing yards this season and was the only FBS back to rush for at least 100 yards in every single game. Iowa’s strong running game helped it rank second in the league with 30.3 points per game.

Iowa’s defense was also largely responsible for the school collecting its most wins since the 2004 season when it went 10-2. Iowa held its opponents to 13.3 points and only 289.5 yards per contest to rank eighth and 12th respectively in the nation. Iowa’s vaunted defense allowed nine of fewer points in five of their 12 games. It is worth noting that Iowa’s four losses this season are by a combined 12 points. If you like the Hawks to continue its strong play, bet Iowa at -3.5 at BetUS and receive up to 145% in sign up bonuses.

South Carolina’s defense also earned some respect this season, allowing only 288.9 yards per game to rank 11th in the country. The Gamecocks allowed just 160.3 yards per game through the air which was the third-best in the country. This defense figures to be a handful for Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi, who threw for 987 yards, eight touchdowns, and three picks in the Hawkeyes’ last six games after starting the year as the backup.

Offensively, South Carolina has made the decision to go with former backup Stephen Garcia as the starting signal caller in this game. The move was prompted by Chris Smelley throwing four interceptions against Clemson in South Carolina’s regular season finale. Garcia was 56 of 104 for 753 yards, six touchdowns, and five picks in seven games this season.

While this game is closer to home for the Gamecocks, it is no secret that Iowa travels well. Both teams have played twice before in the Outback Bowl with Iowa owning a 1-1 record and South Carolina a perfect 2-0 mark. If you like the Gamecocks to stay perfect in the Outback Bowl, bet South Carolina at +3.5 at BetUS.

Editor’s Note: Jimmy Boyd is betting this play as part of his New Year’s Day 3-pack. Make sure you’re doing your football betting on Jimmy’s NCAA football picks for the most winners on New Year’s Day.

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