South Carolina defeated Miami by a score of 24–21, winning their fourth consecutive bowl game, a school record.

After finishing their regular season with a 6–6 record, the Hurricanes accepted their invitation to play in the game.

After finishing their regular season with a 6–6 record, the Gamecocks accepted their invitation to play in the game.

[8] This was South Carolina's second Independence Bowl; the Gamecocks previously played in the 2005 game, with the 2005 South Carolina squad losing to the Missouri Tigers by a score of 38–31.

Source: [4] Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.