South Carolina Gamecocks (7-5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4)
When: Today, 11 a.m.
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Line: Iowa by 2.5
TV: ESPN
Why you should watch: To see if Iowa can snap the Southeastern Conference’s grip on the New Year’s Day’s earliest bowl game. The SEC, which is 10-8 in this bowl since 1986, has won three of the past four games, including Florida’s 31-24 win over Iowa in 2006. The Hawkeyes, however, have feasted in the Outback Bowl as well, beating the Gators, 37-17, in 2004. Iowa is led by Shonn Greene (1,729 yards, 17 TDs) who was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and won the Doak Walker award, presented annually to the game’s best running back. But it won’t be a day at the beach for Greene against South Carolina’s defense — that was made clear this past Tuesday at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Who dosen’t like cheerleader tug-o-war? The Gamecocks, however, really do have a talented defense, led by safety Emanuel Cook (87 tackles) and linebacker Eric Norwood, who has 13.5 tackles for a loss and an SEC-leading nine sacks.
Did you know this person went to Iowa: Tom Brokaw, anchor of NBC Nightly News and author of “The Greatest Generation.”
Did you know this person went to South Carolina: Gary Parsons, founder of XM Satellite Radio and former executive vice president of MCI. Point to Iowa.
Carey predicts: Iowa, 24-20
Bimbo predicts: Iowa
Scoreboard: Carey and Bimbo tied, 9-9
