Michigan Football: 4 Things to know about South Carolina, Outback Bowl

Points may come at a premium

Whenever Michigan football plays, the first thing that gets mentioned is the defense. And why not? The Wolverines boasted one of the top units in the country. 

In terms of yards allowed, Michigan ranked third (268 YPG) in the FBS. When it came to points allowed, UM ranked 14th with 18.3. The Wolverines also ranked third in the nation in tackles for loss and seventh in sacks.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown loves to attack, but so does South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp, who earned his stripes coaching on that side of the ball. The Gamecocks were 51st in yards allowed, but 26th in scoring defense with 20.8 points allowed.

Mushcamp, who took the job in 2016, has guided the Gamecocks to back-to-back bowl berths, but this is his first winning season. His team finished 6-7 last year, but beat some solid teams in 2017.

South Carolina knocked off North Carolina State, Florida, Tennessee, but also lost to Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas A&M. Yet, even against all those great teams, the Gamecocks never gave up more than 34 points, which was to Clemson. So while the defense isn’t great, it’s darn good.

The way both teams play defensively should lead to a game that’s hard hitting and low scoring, but also a bowl game that won’t lack for intensity.