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Michigan blows huge second half lead in Outback Bowl, ruins B1G’s chance at perfect postseason
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Michigan was cruising.
In the third quarter, the Wolverines held a 19-3 lead over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl and was on the verge of wrapping up a perfect 8-0 postseason for the B1G. Michigan was about to put an exclamation point on what had been an incredible week-long stretch for a conference that felt disrespected by the College Football Playoff committee.
But the Wolverines hit a rut and South Carolina took advantage. The Gamecocks scored 23 unanswered points and posted a 26-19 win in the Outback Bowl. Michigan finished the year 8-5.
It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season.
With the loss, the B1G ended the 2017-18 bowl season with a 7-1 record. Here’s a quick recap of the final scores from the B1G bowl games this postseason:
- Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa 27 Boston College 20
- Foster Farms Bowl: Purdue 38 Arizona 35
- Holiday Bowl: No. 16 Michigan State 42 No. 18 Washington State 17
- Cotton Bowl: No. 5 Ohio State 24 No. 8 USC 7
- Music City Bowl: No. 21 Northwestern 24 Kentucky 23
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 9 Penn State 35 No. 11 Washington 28
- Orange Bowl: No. 6 Wisconsin 34 No. 10 Miami 24
- Outback Bowl: South Carolina 26 Michigan 19
Even with Michigan’s loss, the B1G had an incredible run this postseason, one that it desperately needed after an abysmal 3-7 record in bowl games a year ago. It should only bolster the conference’s perception heading into the 2018 season.
Wins in New Year’s Six games from Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin will go a long with this offseason.
It would’ve been nice if the Wolverines could’ve clung to the win and the B1G ended the postseason at 8-0, but the conference to make a statement, and it was loud and clear.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB