Connor Shaw Shines as South Carolina Tops Wisconsin in Capital One Bowl

by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Orlando, FL

Senior quarterback Connor Shaw capped his career in outstanding fashion, accounting for five touchdowns as No. 9 South Carolina captured the Capital One Bowl via a 34-24 win over No. 19 Wisconsin Wednesday at Florida Citrus Bowl.

In his last college game, Shaw completed 22 of 25 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 48 yards and a score and caught a touchdown pass from wide receiver Bruce Ellington to win MVP honors.

Ellington caught six passes for a career-best 139 yards and two touchdowns while Shaw Roland tallied 112 yards on six catches to help the Gamecocks win their third straight bowl games and cap their campaign with 11 wins for the third consecutive season.

The Gamecocks also had three interceptions, two by true freshman Skai Moore, who led the team with four interceptions on the season.

Joel Stave completed nine of 13 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns but he left in the fourth period due to strained right shoulder and did not return.

Curt Phillips took over, finishing 7-for-12 for 37 yards with two interceptions for the Badgers (9-4), who lost their four straight bowl games.

Melvin Gordon rushed for 143 yards on 25 carries while James White recorded 107 yards on 12 carries for the Badgers.

The Gamecocks took a 20-17 lead late in the third quarter behind Shaw's 22-yard touchdown pass to Ellington.

In the fourth, Connor led a six-play, 74-yard drive that Jerell Adams capped with a three-yard touchdown catch for a 27-17 lead.

Wisconsin made it a one-score game again when Kenzel Doe found a seam and dashed 91 yards on the kickoff return to make it 27-24.

Then, Shaw spearheaded a nine-play, 88-yard drive that he ended with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Roland to give the Gamecocks a 10-point cushion.

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"Connor Shaw Shines as South Carolina Tops Wisconsin in Capital One Bowl"