The January 2nd Bowl Games continue here at STAT BOX STORIES for the BOWL BLITZ INVITATIONAL as Chris Jacobs returns for his second guest contribution to the project. As a big Nebraska Huskers fan, there would be few people more qualified to play this game between Nebraska and the Gamecocks of South Carolina in the 2012 Capital One Bowl.
For those who say bowl games mean nothing, make sure to watch this year’s Capital One Bowl. Nebraska looks to win 10 games in a season for the third straight year while South Carolina looks to set a school record for wins in a season with 11, provided they can get past the Cornhuskers. A win for either squad can provide great momentum into the offseason and into the 2012 season. A loss puts a damper on solid seasons for either a team in a new conference (Nebraska) or for a team in the most top-heavy conference in college football (South Carolina).
South Carolina is known for their offensive prowess, but a strong defensive front will look to slow down a Nebraska attack that relies heavily on success rushing the ball.
To start the game, South Carolina won the coin toss and elected to defer to start the half. On the opening possess ion of the game, Nebraska ran power sets right at the South Carolina defense, moving the ball into Gamecock territory. NU HB #22 had a strong start in the drive, rushing four times for 33 yards before leaving for a few plays with elbow bursitis. An incomplete pass and a stop in the backfield would leave the Huskers with a 3rd & 11 from the SC 29-yard line. QB #3 was able to thread the ball between two Gamecock defenders and WR #84 made a great catch at the one and was hit into the endzone for a touchdown, leading to a 7-0 Nebraska lead. (10 plays, 78 yard drive, 2:43) NEBRASKA 7, SOUTH CAROLINA 0.
On the ensuing kickoff, a hard hit on the return man led to a fumble recovered by the Huskers at the SC 27-yard line. HB #22 would cash in on a sixteen yard touchdown run highlighted by some key blocks and running through a tackle that left a SC defender laying helpless on the ground. (4 plays, 27 yards, 1:00) NEBRASKA 14, SOUTH CAROLINA 0.
Before running their first offensive play, South Carolina would take the field down fourteen points. Two run plays were stopped at the line before Nebraska DT #94 ended the offensive series with a sack of QB #5, forcing a three-and-out. The punt would give the Huskers the ball on their own 42-yard line to start the second quarter.
This possession would feature the Husker wide receiving corps prominently. An 11-yard run on a WR Sweep by WR #10, a third-down conversion caught by WR #18 and a 30-yard reception by WR #80 would put Nebraska on the SC 2 before a QB Blast play would get NU into the endzone. (7 plays, 58 yards, 2:27) NEBRASKA 21, SOUTH CAROLINA 0
With minutes before the half, South Carolina would establish their first solid drive of the game. A 15-yard run from HB #21 would get them to near midfield for the first time. Back-to-back receptions by HB #21 of 13-yards and 31 yards would put them into the red zone. After getting to the four-yard line, a stuffed QB keeper and a sack would force South Carolina into a field goal attempt. The 23-yard kick was good, getting the Gamecocks on the board. (8 plays 67 yards, 2:07) NEBRASKA 21, SOUTH CAROLINA 3.
With the late score and receiving the ball to start the second half, South Carolina was in position to make the game competitive. However, a holding call on the return would give SC the ball on their own 12-yard line to start the drive. After two failed option plays, SC HB #21 picked up a couple key blocks and would score on a 96-yard run that set the South Carolina contingent into a frenzy. (3 plays, 88yards, 0:59). NEBRASKA 21, SOUTH CAROLINA 10.
A quick three-and out for Nebraska would breathe new life into South Carolina. However, an interception by FS #8 on third down would give Nebraska the ball and a chance to potentially put the game away. The Huskers would keep the ball on the ground as they worked to regain the momentum in the game and keep the potent South Carolina offense off the field. On the first play of the fourth quarter, HB #22 would take the ball into the endzone from three yards out. (7 plays, 38 yards, 2:15) NEBRASKA 28, SOUTH CAROLINA 10.
The rest of the game would feature numerous three-and-outs and neither squad threatened a potential scoring opportunity.
Your final score in the 2012 Capital One Bowl – Nebraska 28, South Carolina 10.
Guest Author Bio:
Chris Jacobs is an EA SPORTS Game Changer and posts on many gaming sites under the persona of “cdj.” He has been part of the EA SPORTS Game Changers since the group’s inception and plays NCAA Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, Madden NFL, NBA Jam, NHL, FIFA, EA SPORTS MMA, and FIGHT NIGHT regularly. Chris is owner & administrator of TheGamingTailgate.com, a community site for NCAA Football, sports gaming, and gaming in general. You can follow Chris on Twitter with his username @cdj80.
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