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Miami vs. South Carolina: 5 Things You Need To Know For Independence Bowl

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Miami vs. South Carolina: 5 Things You Need To Know

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina, Miami Hurricanes
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The Miami Hurricanes will travel to Shreveport to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Independence Bowl. Both teams are fighting for a winning record, so what else do you need to know about this ACC-SEC matchup? Here are five things to keep in mind for kickoff.

5. Steve Spurrier Has a Long History With Miami

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina, Miami Hurricanes
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5. Steve Spurrier Has a Long History With Miami

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina, Miami Hurricanes
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Aside from being born in Miami Beach, the Head Ball Coach has a long history against the Canes, going back to his days at Florida. Spurrier loves to stir the pot against his old in-state rival, so you better believe that there will be a ton of bulletin board material out there leading up to the game.

4. Pharoh Cooper Is the Real Deal

Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
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4. Pharoh Cooper Is the Real Deal

Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
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South Carolina’s “Mr. Do-it-all” has had a breakout year and is second in the SEC with 966 receiving yards. Miami’s pass defense has only given up 10 plays of 30-plus yards this season but struggles in intermediate coverage. If the SEC’s leading passer, Dylan Thompson, can connect with Cooper consistently, it will be a long afternoon for Miami.

3. Duke Johnson’s Likely Last Game Could Be a Big One

Duke Johnson, Miami Hurricanes
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3. Duke Johnson’s Likely Last Game Could Be a Big One

Duke Johnson, Miami Hurricanes
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The junior running back has taken over as the all-time leading rusher in Miami history and is all but guaranteed to declare for the draft. South Carolina's 109th ranked run defense hasn’t been able to stop anybody this year, so the Canes’ offensive philosophy will likely live and die with Johnson’s success.

2. Somebody’s Streak Is Coming To An End

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina, Miami Hurricanes
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2. Somebody’s Streak Is Coming To An End

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina, Miami Hurricanes
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Miami hasn’t had a losing season since 2007, while Steve Spurrier has never had a losing season at South Carolina. In fact, the HBC only has one losing season as a college coach, and that was way back in his first season at Duke in 1987. Considering that Carolina has won three straight bowl games while the Canes haven’t won since 2006, the odds should favor the Gamecocks.

1. This Is the 16th Meeting Between the Two Schools

Miami Hurricanes, South Carolina Gamecocks
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1. This Is the 16th Meeting Between the Two Schools

Miami Hurricanes, South Carolina Gamecocks
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Miami leads the series 8-5-2, having won the last matchup in 1987, but that was before South Carolina joined the SEC. With conference bragging rights and a winning season on the line, expect both teams to come out firing.

Alexander Christian is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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