The University of Miami will face Southeastern Conference opponent South Carolina in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, in Shreveport, Louisiana, as announced Sunday afternoon.
It marks the first time UM will play in this second-tier bowl, which began in 1976 as part of the United States bicentennial year. The Hurricanes lead the all-time series with the Gamecocks, 8-5-2, but the last meeting came in 1987. South Carolina topped Miami, 20-16, at the Orange Bowl in that matchup.
Miami (6-6) looks to win its first bowl game since 2006, when the Hurricanes beat Nevada, 21-20, at the MPC Computers Bowl. UM is 19-18 in 37 bowls.
The Hurricanes ended 2014 on a three-game losing skid, dropping games to No. 3 Florida State, Virginia and Pittsburgh by a combined score of 95-62. The Gamecocks (6-6) lost three of their final five games, including a rivalry contest with Clemson in the final week. SC head coach Steve Spurrier spent two decades (1990-2001) at the helm of Miami's in-state rival, the University of Florida.
"We are thrilled for the opportunity to compete against a program with the tradition and talent of South Carolina," head coach Al Golden said in a statement. "The 2014 Independence Bowl not only provides our program with a great matchup, but it also gives us a tremendous opportunity to improve, gain valuable practice time and postseason experience."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
