South Carolina College Football Playoff projections after Week 13: Projecting Gamecocks' Bowl game, playoff chances in 2024

The No. 15-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks are on a roll as the season comes to a close. They are on a five-game winning streak since losing 27-25 to No. 13-ranked Alabama on Oct. 12. In that streak, they have defeated No. 20-ranked Texas A&M (44-20), Vanderbilt (28-7) and No. 21-ranked Missouri (34-30). Their Week 13 matchup against Wofford saw them win 56-12.

However, despite their impressive performances, the teams' odds of making the playoffs are not high. While there's still a possibility, it's more likely South Carolina will end up in a non-playoff bowl game.

South Carolina playoff chances and bowl-projections 2024

To determine which bowl game the Gamecocks will play in, it is important to look at their playoff chances. Despite starting the season 3-3, South Carolina (8-3, 5-3 SEC) is still in playoff contention, though they also need the right draw of wins and losses from other teams. According to ESPN, they have a 20.1% chance of making the playoffs.

In the new 12-team playoff format, the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically qualify. The Gamecocks cannot make the SEC Championship, as Texas leads the conference at 6-1. The remaining seven spots go to the next highest-ranked teams, regardless of conference.

The Gamecocks have a chance at one of these spots. However, after Week 13, it is still on the outside looking in. They have a game against No. 12-ranked Clemson (8-3, 7-1 ACC) on Saturday. A win over a higher-ranked opponent could elevate their chances, especially if a few teams ranked ahead of them lose.

What bowl games will South Carolina play in?

If the Gamecocks make the playoffs, they will play in the Sugar, Rose, Peach or Fiesta Bowl, depending on whether they win in the first round. However, if they do not make the playoffs, there are several other bowl options.

CBS Sports projects that the Gamecocks will play in the Las Vegas Bowl against Washington State. Action Network predicts a matchup with Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl and ESPN's Mark Schlaback has them playing in the Citrus Bowl against Illinois.

Other games with SEC tie-ins include the Duke's Mayo Bowl, Gator Bowl, Texas Bowl, Music City Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Birmingham Bowl and Gasparilla Bowl.