Where: At Tampa, Fla.
When: 9 a.m., today.
TV: ESPN.
Series record: First meeting.
What’s at stake: South Carolina, which lost its last two games of the regular season, is looking for its fifth win in the past six bowl appearances. Iowa rebounded from a three-game losing streak to win five of its final six games and finish with at least eight wins for the first time since 2004. The Hawkeyes are 1-1 in Outback appearances.
Key matchup: Iowa RB Shonn Greene is the Big Ten’s offensive player of the year and set the Hawkeyes’ single-season rushing record with 1,729 yards. He also scored 17 touchdowns. South Carolina ranked 11th in the nation in total defense, allowing 129 yards per game on the ground and 289 overall.
Players to watch: South Carolina — QB Stephen Garcia returns to his hometown and makes his third career start, which the Gamecocks hope is the beginning of a promising future for the redshirt freshman. WR Kenny McKinley is the school’s career receiving leader and has caught a pass in 42 consecutive games. Iowa — QB Ricky Stanzi shared time with Jake Christen- sen early in the season, eventually emerging as the starter. Stanzi has been an effective passer, too, throwing for 1,809 yards, 13 TDs and seven interceptions. DL Mitch King and Matt Kroul anchor a defense that yielded 98.2 yards per game rushing, second-best in the Big Ten.
Facts and figures: South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is 7-7 in bowl games. … Coach Kirk Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to a bowl in seven of his 10 seasons. They were 3-3 while making six consecutive appearances from 2001 to 2006.
The Associated Press
