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Woooo! The Cavaliers are going bowling for the second straight season. After much deliberating and waiting, we finally have our destination: The Belk Bowl. Here’s a quick look at the basics to get you all set for the game:
Hoo’s playing in the 2018 Belk Bowl?
Virginia (7-5, 4-4 in ACC)
Things may not have ended the way Cavalier fans wanted, but it’s undeniable that the Hoos are moving in the right direction under Coach Mendenhall. The Cavaliers got their first winning season since 2011 and were in the hunt for the Coastal Division until late in the season. Wins over Miami, Louisville, and Duke set the tone, and two of the four Virginia losses came in overtime. Quarterback Bryce Perkins was a revelation as he threw for 2,472 yards and 22 touchdowns and added nine touchdowns and 842 yards on the ground. The Hoos have one of the best secondaries in the country, led by Bryce Hall (leads the nation with 20 pass break ups) and Juan Thornhill.
South Carolina (7-5, 4-4 in SEC)
The Gamecocks played in the brutal SEC, with all five of their losses coming to ranked opponents, including No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Georgia, No. 17 Kentucky, No. 19/21 Florida, and No. 22 Texas A&M. Four of their wins were by four points or less. QB Jake Bentley passed for 2,953 yards and 27 touchdowns, along with 12 INTs. Receiver Deebo Samuel accounted for 11 of USC’s 32 receiving touchdowns, and running back Rico Dowdle led the team with 117 rushing attempts and 633 yards.
Where is the Belk Bowl played?
The Belk Bowl is played at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, NC. It used to be the Continental Tire Bowl, which Virginia won in back-to-back seasons in 2002 and 2003.
When is the Belk Bowl, and how can I watch it?
12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 29, on ABC. The game will likely stream on WatchESPN, but that information will come at a later time.
How can I get tickets?
You can purchase tickets through the Belk Bowl’s website here. Tickets through Virginia are available to VAF Donors now and will be made available to the public on Monday, if any are available.