South Carolina’s Independence Bowl matchup against the Miami Hurricanes will be a tough test for the Gamecocks, mainly concerning the ground game.

Miami running back Duke Johnson is among the top rushers in the country. He rushed for 1,520 yards in 2014 and nearly racked up 2,000 total yards and was the conference leader in yards from scrimmage per game (157.5).

The dangerous thing about Johnson is that he has the ability to take over games. Twice this season he had over 225 total yards and at least two touchdowns, including a 286-yard, two-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech.

While this is a concern for the Gamecocks because they hold the distinction as one of the SEC’s worst rush defense (214.4 ypg), South Carolina can still come away with a bowl victory even if Johnson dominates.

Why? Offense.

Defensively, South Carolina may be atrocious, but the Gamecocks are capable of putting up points on the scoreboard at will.

They can hurt defenses a number of ways.

Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds are a formidable ground-and-pound duo in South Carolina’s backfield. Davis, a future pro, is capable of putting the team on his back in ways similar to Johnson.

He doesn’t have Johnson’s speed, but Davis’ 5-9, 223-pound frame is more than able to allow Davis to rack up 20-plus carries. And with the NFL Draft likely awaiting Davis in the spring, what better way to impress those pro scouts with an impressive finale for his college career?

However, South Carolina’s biggest offensive weapons are quarterback Dylan Thompson and wide receiver Pharoh Cooper. Thompson may not be as complete as former starter Connor Shaw, but Thompson’s throwing ability is among the best in the SEC. The fifth-year senior led the conference with 3,280 passing yards.

His most reliable receiving target is none other than Cooper, a sophomore playmaker. Cooper can do it all for the Gamecocks. He’s a lethal receiver, but has the running ability to be a factor on jet sweeps and in the Wildcat formation.

Did I mention he can throw the ball, too? He threw the second-most passes behind Thompson this season (8) and threw for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

Miami’s defense won’t be able to stop South Carolina’s balanced attack. The Hurricanes finished the season on a disastrous three-game losing streak in which the defense surrendered at least 341 total yards of offense and 30 points in all three games.

I would expect South Carolina to be able to wear down Miami’s defense with a heavy dose of Davis and Wilds and then letting Thompson and Cooper go to work along the outside.

As long as South Carolina’s offense avoids any big mistakes, the Gamecocks should be winners in this bowl game no matter what Miami gets out of its star running back.