And I really like coconut shrimp, too....

BEGIN

2013

Michigan [18] 28 - South Carolina [10] 33 at the Outback Bowl

The Gamecocks got an early score on a great pass and right there I knew we were going to have a tough game. Gardner started and threw an interception for the first series. In the second, Denard came in and played running back. We got into the red zone and I was just finishing saying that if we don't do anything stupid, we'll tie it up. Then a facemask penalty happens and we settle for three There's some back and forth and, among other things, a Michigan lineman commits another facemask! We punt, and they score on the return!

Just what Michigan needs, a quick start against a hot team. Not. And what's with the facemasks? Is Michigan an SEC team now? Disgusting. I blame the uniforms. Matte finish helmets and high-contrast (not) yellow on white numbers that make it impossible to see the numbers at any distance if the sun is shining on them. The first quarter ends and we're down 14-3.

Okay, Michigan had posession over the quarter boundary and had changed to a largely ground-based assault that is slow, but steady down the field, supported by Robinson as running back and Gardner not trying to pass (and risk interceptions) and we scored! My Dad and I chatted on the phone about how teams that haven't played each other get ready and still it ends up being what works on the field.

So, South Carolina gets the ball again and changes quarterbacks...a few short passes are stopped but then they connect a long one and they get down to the 4 yard line and then a quick pass to score. Auggggh! Now it's 21-10.

Our turn again and we make it to mid-field before they try Gardner's arm again. He's not much better--that pass was almost intercepted and another one two plays later when we needed it was overthrown. South Carolina gets the ball again. But they fumble! GIFT! Can Michigan capitalize on it? Well, no, not really. We end up with a field goal, after a fake field goal attempt got them a little closer.

So, South Carolina ends up with the ball and starts toward the end of the half with a running game--that doesn't go anywhere. South Carolina has been doing much better passing than rushing which is good because they aren't scoring on every drive as a result. Michigan needs to rejigger, like they often do, at the half and concentrate on what is working--which seems to be our rushing game.

After the half, Michigan gets the ball to to start but can't do much with it in that series. South Carolina gets the ball and--say, what was I just saying about their running game?--their quarterback makes a 64 yard run to somewhere near our ten yard line. Gah! Well, okay, things look really bad until that quarterback gets dinged and has to step out for their sophmore quarterback. He can't connect for a touchdown, so they try a field goal...and MISS! Another GIFT! Can we capitalize on it? Yes...but only with a record-long field goal. 21-16.

South Carolina gets the ball back and unloads a big pass again--there doesn't seem to be anything we can do to stop those. But...we manage to stop them and get the ball back. Then, we do the slow and steady rushing game, adding a few short passes, and...and...it works! Touchdown Michigan! Oddly, Hoke calls for a two-point conversion which fails and we're only up 22-21. But we're on top for the first time today as we head into the 4th quarter!

South Carolina's turn. And they are keeping it on the ground for the first part of the drive. They try a long pass...the first one fails but the second one connects. But, the slow and steady is working for them, at first. But our defense steps up. We stop South Carolina so they're fourth down on our 25 or so, then we block their field goal attempt! W00t! \o/ Still 22-21 Michigan!

Now it's time to take command. The last two years, when Michigan has at least 20 points, they've won 18 times to 1. Yeah, but that's a statistician getting off--this is the Outback Bowl. Denard makes a good run. but a quick short pass by Gardner to Gallon doesn't connect. Damn--have to punt. But it's a fake! The run gets close enough to bring out the chain.

Okay, then it gets complicated. The ball to me, my Dad, half the people I know on my Twitter feed, the South Carolina coach, hell, the entire South Carolina team on the sideline, all say "What the FUCK?" as the referee calls it a first down for Michigan. I mean, the ball was a few inches short of the stick! What?!? The spot gets challenged and nothing changes. Michigan has the ball. They set up for the next play and Gardner hands off to Smith. WHAM! South Carolina's huge defensive lineman comes through, Hulk-like, and slams into Smith almost immediately. Smith falls down, hard, so hard his helmet pops off, fumbles and South Carolina recovers. Okay, they wanted the ball that bad. Then, the next play is a pass to the South Carolina receiver that he bobbles as he falls out the far end of the end zone. That play is challenged but the touchdown stands. South Carolina tries a two-point conversion and they fail. It's 27-22 South Carolina and eight minutes left in the quarter.

So, Michigan's ball. Slow and steady with a couple of short passes and we score a touchdown again! It's only 28-27 so we try the two-point conversion again..and it fails. Now it comes down to Nebraska's next series in the 3.5 minutes remaining in the game. Any score from South Carolina will win it for them.

They have some trouble, making a few fourth down plays but...they make the touchdown. They don't make the two-point conversion but there's only 11 seconds left. And Michigan has gone to the GIFT bucket too many times for a final miracle. Final score is 33-28, South Carolina. I can look at it as being beaten by poultry but both sides made their mistakes and it was a pretty good matchup. If it wasn't Michigan, I'd be happy for the time spent watching. And I think Michigan had a good season overall, given the injuries that the team suffered. And Gardner, next year, will be awesome, so there's that to look forward to.

P.S. Outback Restaurants announced they were giving a free Blooming Onion if South Carolina won or free Coconut Shrimp if Michigan won. Now I'm really unhappy we lost.