Outback Stages Successful Sequel
(January 2, 2002)

When the Outback Bowl announced the 2002 game would be a re-match of last year's game, the first impression was why. After all, last year's game was not too exciting, as South Carolina dominated Ohio State 24-7. However, this year's game was a success on and off the field.

In the first quarter the game looked like it was going to be a bore. Six punts, three fumbles and overall sloppy play in a scoreless period. You could almost hear channels changing over to the Cotton Bowl, before South Carolina got hot. The Gamecocks raced to a 28-0 lead by late in the third quarter and it looked like the rout was on. Time to check out the Cotton Bowl again? Then Ohio State stagged the biggest comeback in Outback history to tie the game up 28-28 with just under two minutes to play. Forget the Cotton Bowl, viewers were on the edge of their seats. Overtime seemed to be looming. A questionable call by the officials, and a questionable call by the OSU coaching staff, put the Gamecocks in position to win on a last second field goal. The kick was good from 42 yards out, and probably would not have been from 43 yards, and USC had an exciting 31-28 victory.

But the real success of college bowl games is the impact to the community. The South Carolina-Ohio State match-up produced the second straight sellout. The teams, fans, family and visitors enjoyed a week long schedule of activities leading up to the game. The television news showed reports of cheerleaders on the beach and fans ringing in 2002 in Ybor City. Toss in a beautiful sunny game day and the Tampa Bay area was shown in a positive light. Not every bowl game this season had a sellout crowd, wonderful weather and an exciting football game.

In sixteen games, the Outback Bowl has showcased college football on the field. The game's real measure of success is off the field.