Mendenhall, Muschamp Discuss Belk Bowl Matchup

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Bronco Mendenhall said his Virginia football team is “wildly excited” about the opportunity to face South Carolina in the Dec. 29 Belk Bowl at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, and that he believes the Cavaliers will be well represented by their fan base.

Those comments came during a Belk Bowl press conference in Charlotte on Thursday afternoon, attended by Mendenhall and Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp.

Both teams finished the season with 7-5 records, and both coaches agreed after reviewing game film of the two bowl opponents that either could have finished with eight or nine wins. UVa lost two overtime games to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech to end the regular season, while South Carolina dropped close contests to Florida (35-31) and Texas A&M (26-23).

Mendenhall said the Cavaliers view their matchup with the Gamecocks as an “occasion to rise to.”

“We know about the SEC brand,” the UVa coach said. “So many times bowl games give a chance for comparison. Not only are you playing against a football program and a team, but you get a glimpse of what style of play or what another conference might be. It’s the next chance to learn and discover, and grow our program.”

Muschamp said with the proximity of Columbia to Charlotte, he expects the Gamecocks to have strong support at the game from a very passionate fan base. In addition, South Carolina has one of its strongest alumni bases in Charlotte, fertile recruiting grounds for the Gamecocks.

Mendenhall believes that with Virginia appearing in back-to-back bowls for the first time since 2004-2005, that his program is gaining momentum.

“I think our fan base is coming alive, I think they’re becoming passionate, I think they are starting to believe, which is moving on from hopeful,” the Wahoos’ coach said. “I think they will turn out for this game and the support will reflect that.”

Both coaches traded compliments about the respective programs, with Muschamp particularly impressed with UVa quarterback Bryce Perkins.

“You turn on the tape and [Mendenhall’s] guys play tough and physical,” the Gamecocks’ coach said. “That’s the greatest compliment you can give a coach. Perkins makes a lot of off-rhythm plays and causes some issues [defending] the run game. There are some unique things they do in the run game and Jordan Ellis is a quality running back.”

Mendenhall was equally impressed when asked about facing South Carolina.

“I love the tempo, I love the stress [South Carolina’s] offense puts on a defense, and I love the [Gamecocks’] schematic design defensively,” Mendenhall said. “It takes every second of every day to prepare for a team like this.”

Carolina will be missing some parts when the bowl rolls around. Muschamp said Thursday that Javon Kinlaw (defensive lineman) and Keisean Nixon (defensive back) will be out for the Belk Bowl. Kinlaw suffered a labral tear of a hip and will have surgery, while Nixon has a fracture of his neck.

The Gamecocks were already missing their most prolific playmaker offensively in All-American wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who decided to bypass the bowl in order to prepare for the NFL Draft. Samuel, who has a history of injuries, did not want to risk his health in the bowl game.

On the good-news side for Muschamp, he reported his team will have Bryson Allen-Williams (linebacker), Jaycee Horn (defensive back) and Jaylin Dickerson (defensive back) all back from the injured list.

Carolina was already missing defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum with a severe ankle injury. He is not expected to play in the bowl game.

Mendenhall said that he expected his team to be healthy coming into the game and that the break between regular season and bowl practice should give some of his players, particularly his secondary, a chance to recover from being banged up late in the season.

“While we haven’t crossed paths before, it’s fun to see a defensive-minded head coach [Muschamp] … and that shows up on film along with an offense that is fast and furious and plays with a dynamic, explosive mindset,” said Mendenhall. “I think the two programs have had similar seasons with close games.”

Mendenhall was asked about a statement he made earlier this month about bowl games, when he said he believes the hungriest team usually prevails in postseason play.

“I do stand by that,” he said. “Many times, based on a team’s perception of a [bowl] game, and if it fits what they think where they stand or what they deserve, sometimes effects chemistry and motivation.”

Mendenhall said often a coach can impact the motivation by how high he sets the bar for demanding practices.

“I think there will be two very motivated teams [in the bowl],” he said.

Speaking of motivation, Mendenhall added, “I think you’ll find two hungry football teams, and eight [wins] looks a lot better than seven. When I look at all the bowl games, I think [the Belk] is one of the most intriguing matchups.”