Southern Cal (7-5, 5-4 Pac-12) vs Georgia Tech (6-7, 5-3 ACC)
Mon, Dec 31 2:00 PM ET CBS
The History: Did you know that the Sun Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, and the Orange Bowl are the second-oldest bowl games in the country (behind the Rose Bowl)? The first three Sun Bowl games were played at El Paso High School Stadium (1935-1937). The next 24 were played at Kidd Stadium until 1963. After that, the game was moved to it’s current venue, Sun Bowl Stadium. Hyundai, the fourth sponsor of the Sun Bowl, holds a contract to sponsor it through this year’s game. The Sun Bowl has the third selection after the BCS from the Pac-12 and either the ACC Championship Game runner-up or the third pick after the BCS from the ACC. It is one of only two college football games on CBS that does not involve the SEC.
Georgia Tech Scouting Report: Georgia Tech comes into the Sun Bowl with a 6-7 record after losing the ACC Championship Game to Florida State 21-15. They had to get a petition from the NCAA to be able to play in a bowl game after finishing with a below .500 record and therefore, they are looking to prove that they belong in this game. Quarterback Tevin Washington will be the key for the Yellow Jackets. USC’s defense gave up 24.6 points per game and allowed quarterbacks to throw for 18 touchdowns. If Washington can get some rhythm, Georgia Tech will have a chance. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets need to put lots of pressure on Max Wittek or Matt Barkley.
Buckeye Connection: The Buckeyes have never faced off against the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron. That may change, if conference expansion rumors are correct.
USC Scouting Report: The Trojans came into this season ranked number 1 and were expected to be playing for the BCS title in January. Things did not go as planned, and they finished with a 7-5 record. WR Marqise Lee will be the most exciting player on the field during this game. He finished the regular season with 112 receptions, 1,680 yards, and 14 touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets gave up 22 touchdowns to receivers this year, so Lee should have a field day during this game. A huge question mark for USC will be whether or not they can manage without Matt Barkley, who’s out with a shoulder injury. In the only game where Barkley did not play (against Notre Dame), Lee only had 75 yards and no touchdowns, Barkley’s back up Max Wittek will get the Bowl start as well. The key then for USC is for the Trojan offensive line to give him lots of time to find both Lee and they’re other stellar WR Robert Woods.
Buckeye Connection: The Buckeyes have a 9-13 all-time record against USC with the last meeting coming in 2009 which resulted in an 18-15 loss.
Staff predictions:
- Eric – USC
- Jason – USC
- Mali – USC
- Janelle – USC
- Gary – USC
- WVa – USC
- Tim – USC
This game has the potential to be a blowout in USC’s favor or a huge upset in Georgia Tech’s favor. I think USC comes out in this game ready to play, and I think Lee & Woods both have huge days. I believe USC is simply just too talented for Georgia Tech to hang with them and therefore, USC wins by a few touchdowns. USC 35 Georgia Tech 20
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