The Miami Hurricanes and South Carolina Gamecocks meet up on Saturday afternoon in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ABC. Currently the odds for the game have Miami favored by about a field goal in this one.

South Carolina was one of the teams that really underachieved this season, finishing with a 6-6 record after starting the year inside the Top 10. The Gamecocks won just three games inside the SEC this season, never being able to put it together on both sides of the football long enough to have a winning season. Yet, a win here would put the South Carolina football program a game over .500, which is probably still considered a less than satisfactory season.

Miami also finished the season with a 6-6 record, losing their final three games of the season to Florida State, Virginia and Pitt. The Hurricanes are looking to get the program turned around under Al Golden, and picking up a win over an SEC team in a bowl game would be a good start heading into next season.

Freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya threw for 25 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards this season. Kaaya has looked very good at times this season but also has looked like a freshman — but he’s going to be a good player in the future.

Miami scored nearly 30 points per game this year and they’ve averaged better than 100 yards per game more than their opponents. Miami should be able to move the football in this one, especially on the ground with Duke Johnson, one of the best backs in the country. Johnson scored 10 times this season and averaged seven yards per carry. South Carolina will have to find a way to shut him down in order to keep the Hurricanes from establishing a groove on offense.

Dylan Thompson threw for 25 TDs this year, but also threw 11 picks on the season. The Gamecocks have a decent running game and should be able to bring a balanced attack into this one, but Thompson is going to have to play well for South Carolina to win. That’s because South Carolina’s defense was very poor this year, allowing opponents to average better than 430 yards per game, which was the worst mark in the history of Gamecock football.

Expect both teams to score points in this one. Both have faced tough competition this season and Miami gave up a bunch of points this season to teams with good offenses. South Carolina, on the other hand, scored at least 33 points eight times this year.

Free Pick: Miami 37, South Carolina 34

 College Football Free Picks: Duke vs Arizona State (Sun Bowl)

What college football bettors need to know about betting Duke Blue Devils vs Arizona State Sun Devils in the Sun Bowl on Saturday (12/27/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Teddy Covers with added insight from Pauly Howard.

$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!

Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for College basketball and the NFL  with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!