Miami and South Carolina to Play in 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl

The Miami Hurricanes from the Atlantic Coast Conference will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks from the Southeastern Conference in the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl.

Miami (6-6, 3-5) will compete in the Independence Bowl for the first time in the Bowl’s history, marking the fifth-consecutive year at least one opponent is making its first appearance in the Independence Bowl.

Miami is led offensively by first-team All-ACC running back Duke Johnson. The junior accumulated 1,520 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing on the year and finished second on the team with 33 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns.

Freshman quarterback Brad Kayaa completed 202 of 345 passes for 2,962 yards and 25 touchdowns on the way to being named ACC Rookie of the Year.

Defensively, Miami is led by first-team All-ACC linebacker Denzel Perryman, who racked up 102 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception and four passes broken up.

South Carolina (6-6, 3-5 SEC) is led offensively by senior quarterback Dylan Thompson, who threw for a South Carolina single-season record 3,280 yards and 24 touchdowns. Thompson’s favorite target was Pharoh Cooper, who hauled in 60 for 966 yards and eight touchdowns. His 233 yards against Tennessee this season are a single-game school record.

Defensively, linebacker Skai Moore racked up 82 tackles, including two for loss, along with three interceptions for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina played against Missouri in the 2005 Independence Bowl, falling to Missouri 38-31 in coach Steve Spurrier’s first season. South Carolina is the first SEC team to play in Shreveport since Georgia in 2009.

Miami previously played in Shreveport against Louisiana Tech in a regular season game in 2003.

Miami and South Carolina have met 15 previous times, with Miami holding an 8-5-2 edge. It will be the first meeting between the teams since a 20-16 Miami victory in 1987.