SEC Sports Insider Magazine 2013 Bowl Edition | Page 37

the season finale loss to Penn State, he threw three interceptions and to cap off 12 for the season. If the Badgers cannot establish the run game, it will be disastrous for Wisconsin because, if Jadeveon Clowney is able to rush the passer, it is going to be a long night for Stave. Connor Shaw is the complete opposite of Stave. He also has solid numbers (2,616 total yards) but does a great job taking care of the football. Shaw has 26 total touchdowns and just one pick on the season. Deciding factor of the game This game will go as Clowney does. He doesn’t necessarily need big stats or the “big hit,” but he must be disruptive. Will he play this game cautiously, knowing he is just one injury-free game away from a big NFL paycheck? Or will he play full throttle knowing this is the last impression he can deliver to those NFL teams? People know Clowney for his sacks and big hits, but he can be just as effective by making the opposing offense predictable as they try to limit his production. I hope we get Clowney’s best, but after seeing Marcus Lattimore last season, it is hard to blame him if he coasts through the game. Predictions Steve Spurrier is one of the top 15 coaches of all time, and what he did to build the Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks programs is nothing short of amazing. However, the one complaint I have against Spurrier is that his teams have seemed to underperform in bowl games. He has a 3-4 bowl record at South Carolina and even in victory has not always looked overly impressive. I also worry that too many players will be looking toward the draft instead of the game. As a result, I think the Badgers pull off the upset. Score Prediction: Wisconsin 27, South Carolina 24 Stat prediction: Wisconsin 175-plus yards rushing.