The set-up: I'm expecting a rout from start to finish in this one. The Cavs come in with zero momentum after losing three of their last four, including to Virginia Tech most recently. The Gamecocks upset the Wolverines in last year's Outback Bowl and they won their final game of the year over Akron (28-3.) "You get a bunch of bowl gear, and if you lose the game, you damn sure don't want to wear any of it," SC coach Will Muschamp said recently. "I haven't put anything on from the Birmingham Bowl, I'll tell you that. …When you win the bowl game, it just makes everybody feel better about what's going on, where the program is headed. …Our guys understand that coming off a win gives you a little more confidence in your program about where you are. But the 2018 team will close its book in Charlotte." Virginia opened at 6-2, but the Cavs have stumbled unbelievably down the stretch and I think that carries over here.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, South Carolina is 4-0 ATS in its last four vs. teams with winning records, 6-0 ATS in its last six neutral site games and 4-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss. Virginia is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven when playing on three or more weeks rest on a neutral field. Lay the points.

10* play