COLUMBIA -- Though the SEC's bowl bids are not expected to go out until Sunday, the South Carolina Gamecocks appear headed for Tampa, Fla., to the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl, where they beat Ohio State in consecutive bowls following the 2000 and 2001 seasons.
USC (7-5) dropped its final two games to Florida and Clemson by a combined 67 points. The late-season slide, combined with the economic recession, will test the loyalty of a fan base known for its resiliency.
"Any time you lose your last game, especially when you play your rival team, it's tough for a few days or so. But at the end of the day, it's more about the body of work that's been done for the season," Outback Bowl spokesman Mike Schulze said.
