Sun Bowl 2012: Georgia Tech vs. USC TV Info, Predictions and More

The 2012 Hyundai Sun Bowl will feature a team that had to get a waiver to play in a bowl game because of its record, the 6-7 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, against a team that was the preseason No. 1 team in the country only to fall on hard times and finish the season unranked, the 7-5 USC Trojans. 

However, don't let these two teams' sub-par 2012 seasons deter you from enjoying what should be a phenomenal bowl game. 

Georgia Tech proved in the ACC Championship game—losing 21-15 to Florida State—that they have the talent on both sides of the ball to give a good competitive game against a team that has better players.

And, this may be the last chance for USC quarterback Matt Barkley to showcase his talents to NFL scouts before he enters the 2013 NFL Draft. Plus, if Barkley is able to play, this will be his last game as a Trojan and the final chance for him to leave on a high-note and erase some of the disappointment from his senior season. 

Here is everything you may want to know about this year's Hyundai Sun Bowl. 

Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas 

When: Monday, December 31, 2012, 2:00 p.m. ET

TV: CBS 

Radio: USC-KSPN-AM-710, Georgia Tech-WQXI-AM-790

Live Streaming: www.cbssports.com

Betting Line

There's one huge storyline that I brushed over in the introduction of this slide show: Is Matt Barkley healthy enough to play in his final game as a USC Trojan?

Barkley has been dealing with a shoulder sprain that he suffered in the final minutes of USC's loss to UCLA, 38-28, on November 17th. The injury forced Barkley to sit out "Senior Night" as Barkley could only watch the Trojans fall to Notre Dame, 22-13. 

If Barkley is able to go against Georgia Tech then you can expect USC's offense to be built around showcasing his talents before he heads to the NFL. 

The other storyline that will surround the Sun Bowl will be Georgia Tech's 6-7 record. 

The Yellow Jackets had to get a petition from the NCAA to qualify for postseason play, as normally teams with sub-.500 records are held out of bowl games. 

Will Georgia Tech come into this game trying to prove that they deserved this berth? Or will they get steamrolled by the Trojans and finish 2012 with a 6-8 record?

USC Trojans depth chart according to Rivals:

Offense:

QB: 7- Matt Barkley, 6-2, 230, SR

13- Max Wittek, 6-4, 235, RS FR

6- Cody Kessler, 6-1, 215, RS FR

18- John Manoogian, 6-0, 220, RS SR

TB: 25- Silas Redd, 5-10, 200, JR

22- Curtis McNeal, 5-7, 190, RS SR

30- D.J. Morgan, 5-10, 190, RS SO

37- Javorius Allen, 6-1, 210, RS FR

FB: 31- Soma Vainuku, 6-0, 250, RS FR

38- Jahleel Pinner, 5-11, 225, FR

42- Hunter Simmons, 6-1, 240, RS JR

WR: 9- Marqise Lee, 6-0, 195, SO

15- Nelson Agholor, 6-1, 185, FR

80, De'Von Flournoy, 6-0, 185, RS JR

85- Victor Blackwell, 6-1, 190, RS FR

WR: 2- Robert Woods, 6-1, 190, JR

80- De'Von Flournoy, 6-0, 185, RS JR

8- George Farmer, 6-1, 205, SO

85- Victor Blackwell, 6-1, 190, RS FR

TE: 86- Xavier Grimble, 6-5, 255, RS SO

82- Randall Telfer, 6-4, 255, RS SO

88- Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, 6-5, 245, FR

87- Junior Pomee, 6-3, 250, RS FR

OT: 75- Max Tuerk, 6-6, 285, FR

70- Aundrey Walker, 6-6, 300, SO

72- Chad Wheeler, 6-7, 270, FR

OT: 77- Kevin Graf, 6-6, 300, RS JR

76- Nathan Guertler, 6-5, 275, RS SO

73- Zach Banner, 6-9, 335, FR

OG: 66- Marcus Martin, 6-3, 325, SO

50- Abe Markowitz, 6-1, 305, RS SA

63- Giovanni Di Poalo, 6-4, 280, RS SO

OG: 59- John Martinez, 6-2, 305, RS JR

74- Jeremy Galten, 6-5, 290, SR

50- Abe Markowitz, 6-1, 305, RS SR

C: 78- Khaled Holmes, 6-4, 305, RS SR

50- Abe Markowitz, 6-1, 305, RS SR

69- Cyrus Hobbi, 6-3, 285, RS FR

Defense: 

DE: 96- Wes Horton, 6-5, 255, RS SR

81- Kevin Greene, 6-4, 255, RS JR

93- Greg Townsend, 6-3, 260, RS FR

DE: 91- Morgan Breslin, 6-2, 250, JR

58- J.R. Tavai, 6-2, 265, SO

81- Kevin Greene, 6-4, 255, RS JR

NT: 90- George Uko, 6-3, 285, RS SO

99- Antwaun Woods, 6-1, 315, RS FR

97- Christian Heyward, 6-2, 285, RS FR

DT: 94- Leonard Williams, 6-5, 270, FR

90- George Uko, 285, RS SO

92- Zack Kusnir, 6-5, 265, SR

LB: 18- Dion Bailey, 6-0, 210, RS SO

34- Tony Burnett, 6-1, 205, RS SR

52- Dallas Kelley, 5-11, 225, SR

LB: 10- Hayes Pullard, 6-1, 235, SO

56- Anthony Sarao, 6-0, 215, RS FR

53- Marquis Simmons, 6-1, 220, RS JR

LB: 55- Lamar Dawson, 6-2, 235, SO

51- Will Andrew, 6-2, 235, RS JR

CB: 21- Nickell Robey, 5-8, 165, JR

23- Kevon Seymour, 6-0, 170, FR

14- Ryan Henderson, 5-10, 170, RS FR

49- Ryan Dillard, 5-10, 185, FR

CB: 26- Josh Shaw, 6-2, 190, RS SO

4- Torin Harris, 6-0, 190, RS JR

Special Teams:

Kicker: 48- Andre Heidari, 5-10, 200, SO

46- Craig McMahon, 6-1, 190, RS SO

48- Alex Wood, 5-10, 175, FR

Punter: 35- Kyle Negrete, 6-0, 225, RS SR

35- Kris Albarado, 5-10, 200, RS FR

Long Snapper: 61- Peter McBride, 6-1, 220, RS FR

18- John Manoogian, 6-0, 220, RS SR

48- Andre Heidari, 5-10, 200, SO

Holder: 6- Cody Kessler, 6-1, 215, RS FR

7- Matt Barkley, 6-2, 230, SR

35- Kyle Negrete, 6-0, 225, RS SR

13- Max Wittek, 6-3, 235, RS FR

Kick Return: 9- Marqise Lee, 6-0, 195, SO

2- Robert Woods, 6-1, 190, JR

21- Nickell Robey, 5-8, 165, JR

8- George Farmer, 6-1, 205, SO

Punt Return: 21- Nickell Robey, 5-8, 165, JR

2- Robert Woods, 6-1, 190, JR

9- Marqise Lee, 6-0, 195, SO

USC's injuries according to the USA Today:

Defensive Tackle, Antwaun Woods, is day-to-day with a shoulder injury that held him out of the Trojans' season finale against Notre Dame. 

Quarterback, Matt Barkley, is day-to-day with a shoulder injury that held him out of the Trojans' season finale against Notre Dame.

Running Back, D.J. Morgan, is day-to-day with a leg injury that held him out of the Trojans' season finale against Notre Dame. 

Tight End, Christian Thomas, is day-to-day with a hip injury that has held him out of the Trojans' last five games.

Defensive Tackle, Cody Temple, is out for the season with an ankle injury. 

Tackle, David Garness, is out for the season with a back injury.

Linebacker, Scott Starr, is out for the season with a neck injury.

Cornerback, Brian Baucham, is out for the season with a breathing issue. 

Cornerback, Isiah Wiley, is out for the season due to being ineligible. 

Defensive End, Devon Kennard, is out for the season with a torn pectoral. 

Defensive End, DeVante Wilson, is out for the season with a torn ACL. 

Here is Georgia Tech's depth chart according to Rivals.

Offense:

QB:  13- Tevin Washington, 6-0, 205, SR

2- Vad Lee, 6-1, 213, FR

5- Justin Thomas, 5-11, 169, FR

11- Darryle Dickey, 5-10, 207, SO

HB: 25- Robert Godhigh, 5-7, 188, JR

7- B.J. Bostic, 5-11, 170, SO

31- Deon Hill, 6-0, 207, SO

HB: 17- Orwin Swim, 6-0, 205, SR

10- Syniyn Davs, 6-2, 215, SO

9- Tony Zenon, 5-8, 173, SO

FB: 20- David Sims, 6-0, 222, JR

37- Zach Laskey, 6-1, 208, SO

22- Broderick Snoddy, 5-9, 190, FR

34- Matt Connors, 6-0 205, SO

WR: 88- Darren Waller, 6-5, 228, SO

83- Jeremy Moore, 6-3, 183, JR

16- Corey Dennis, 6-2, 203, SO

WR: 81- Jeff Greene, 6-4, 210, SO

33- Chris Jackson, 6-1, 207, SR

49- Jamal Paige, 5-9, 185, SR

OT: 72- Morgan Bailey, 6-4, 295, SO

69- Tyler Kidney, 6-2, 265, JR

OG: 77- Omoregie Uzzi, 6-3, 307, SR

78- Trey Braun, 6-5, 292, FR

76- Nick McRae, 6-3, 302, SR

71- J.C. Lanier, 6-4, 310, JR

C: 50- Jay Finch, 6-3, 285, JR

57- Catlin Alford, 6-3, 291, SO

76- Nick McRae, 6-3, 302, SR

64- Ray Beno, 6-2, 292, JR

OG: Shaquille Mason, 6-1, 305, SO

Trey Braun, 6-5, 292, FR

J.C. Lanier, 6-4, 310, JR

OT: 64- Ray Beno, 6-2, 292, JR

53- Bryan Chamberlain, 6-4, 295, FR

76- Nick McRae, 6-3, 302, SR

Defense: 

DE: 93- Emmanuel Dieke, 6-6, 270, JR

99- Euclid Cummings, 6-4, 275, JR

98- Jimmie Kitchen, 6-3, 270, FR

DE: 94- Izaan Cross, 6-4, 300, SR

56- Anthony Williams, 6-4, 264, SO

96- Adam Gotsis, 6-5, 300, FR

NT: 90- T.J. Barnes, 6-7, 345, SR

97- Shawn Green, 6-0, 280, SO

96- Adam Gotsis, 6-5, 300, FR

94- Izaan Cross, 6-4, 300, SR

LB: 11- Brandon Watts, 6-2, 238, JR

35- Tyler Marcordes, 6-4, 235, FR

42- Malcolm Munroe, 6-3, 220, SR

39- Chaz Cheeks, 6-4, 232, FR

LB: 45- Jeremiah Attaochu, 6-3, 240, JR

95- Chris Crenshaw, 6-3, 256, JR

48- Nick Menocal, 6-3, 238, SO

LB: 32- Jabari Hunt-Days, 6-3, 252, FR

30- Daniel Drummond, 6-3, 245, JR

43- Kyle Travis, 6-3, 240, SO

LB: 54- Quayshawn Nealy, 6-1, 232, SO

51- Anthony Harrell, 6-2, 235, FR

46- Tremayne McNair, 6-2, 230, SO

CB: 6- Rod Sweeting, 6-0, 184, SR

28- D.J. White, 5-11, 184, FR

23- Domonique Noble, 6-2, 200, FR

CB: 8- Louis Young, 6-1, 196, JR

4- Jamal Golden, 6-0, 188, SO

18- Chris Milton, 5-11, 183, FR

S: 1- Isaiah Johnson, 6-2, 208, JR

12- Demond Smith, 6-0, 185, FR

S: 14- Jemea Thomas, 5-11, 195, JR

18- Chris Milton, 5-11, 183, FR

29, Coray Carlson, 6-0, 175, SO

Special Teams: 

Punter: 85- Ryan Rodwell, 6-2, 221, FR

3- Michael McDonald, 6-2, 205, SO

Kicker: 44- David Scully, 6-2, 202, JR

17- Chris Tanner, 6-0, 175, SR

8- Andrew Chau, 5-10, 165, FR

86- Justin Moore, 5-10, 165, JR

Holder: 86- Justin Moore, 5-10, 165, JR

20- David Smith, 6-0, 222, JR

Long Snapper: 63- Tyler Morgan, 6-3, 212, SR

55- Sean Tobin, 6-3, 218, SO

Punt Return: 14- Jemea Thomas, 5-11, 195, JR

4- Jamal Golden, 6-0, 188, SO

9- Tony Zenon, 5-8, 173, SO

Kick Return: 22- Broderick Snoddy, 5-9, 190, FR

17- Orwin Smith, 6-0, 205, SR

9- Tony Zenon, 5-8, 173, SO

4- Jamal Golden, 6-0, 188, SO

Georgia Tech's injury report from the USA Today:

Running Back, Orwin Smith, is day-to-day with an ankle injury that has kept him out of Georgia Tech's final two games. 

Place Kicker, Justin Moore, is day-to-day due to an undisclosed injury that held him out the Yellow Jacket's final game.

Offensive Lineman, Errin Joe, is day-to-day due to an undisclosed injury that has held him out of the last six games.

Running Back, Charles Perkins, is out indefinitely with an upper body injury.  

Safety, Fred Holton, is out for the year with a foot injury. 

Wide receiver Marqise Lee will be the most dynamic player on the USC side of the field in the Sun Bowl. 

Lee made highlight reel, after highlight reel, after highlight reel-play in 2012. He led the Trojans in every major receiving category with 112 receptions, 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, in the only game when he wasn't catching passes from Barkley, Lee only had five catches for 75 yards and no touchdowns. 

That game was against the No. 2 defense in the country, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but the production was limited without the senior quarterback Barkley.

However, no matter who the quarterback is for USC in the Sun Bowl, Lee should have a huge day since the Yellow Jackets gave up 22 touchdowns to receivers and 240.7 yards per game. 

Lee should finish 2012 with 10 receptions for 139 yards and three touchdowns, and he may even return a kickoff for a touchdown. 

Georgia Tech may not have the same level of marquee players that USC has, but that doesn't mean they don't have talented players that could pull off an upset on New Year's Eve. 

Yellow Jackets' quarterback, Tevin Washington, is the one player that can send USC home with a loss to end what has been a horrible 2012 season. Washington finished the year with 26 total touchdowns, 19 rushing scores and seven passing touchdowns. 

He was limited in the ACC Championship game to 96 total yards and one touchdown, but he has gone off in big games when the Yellow Jackets have needed him.

Against Clemson, Washington threw for 144 yards, rushed for another 104 yards and was responsible for three Georgia Tech touchdowns. 

If USC's defense isn't prepared for Washington's abilities then he could make it a long day for the Trojans defense. 

As I mentioned in previous slides, if Barkley can go, then it will significantly improve USC's passing attack against a sub-par Georgia Tech secondary. 

USC's passing game was able to average 296.9 yards per game, with Barkley throwing for 36 touchdowns. In nine of Barkley's 11 regular season games, the talented senior threw for multiple touchdown passes and finished with a passer rating in the 100s. 

Aside from whomever is at quarterback for the Trojans, the other interesting chess match will be how this Trojans defense handles the mobile, dual-threat Georgia Tech quarterback, Washington. 

If USC can contain Washington, then it will significantly limit what the Yellow Jackets will be able to do on offense. 

And one final matchup will be the USC rushing game against the Yellow Jacket's defense. 

Georgia Tech's rushing defense allowed opposing running backs to average 147.8 yards per game and score a total of 27 touchdowns. If USC cannot get the passing game going, then they will have to rely heavily on Silas Redd and the other running backs. 

USC will win if it can get its offense operating at the high level that was expected of them when the 2012 season started.

If Barkley plays, then his offensive line will have to give him time to find Lee and his other elite receiver, Robert Woods. And even if Barkley cannot go because of his shoulder, then the line will have to find a way to give even more time to Barkley's backup, Max Wittek. 

USC's offense should force Georgia Tech to play catch-up with them. 

However, if the offense cannot get going, and lets the Yellow Jackets hang around, this could turn into one of the biggest non-BCS bowl game upsets in the history of college football. 

Georgia Tech will win if it gets a career performance from its quarterback, Washington.

He is the key to exposing a USC defense that gave up 24.6 points per game, and allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for 18 touchdowns and running backs to run for 16 scores on top of 156.4 yards per game.

Besides getting a big game from Washington, the defense will have to put relentless pressure on either Barkley or Wittek. 

The Yellow Jackets' defense was able to force 13 interceptions in 2012, so they have the ability to force turnovers. 

This game has the potential of being one of two things: either a historical upset, or, a 50-point blowout. 

After looking at how USC's passing game functions with Barkley, and with him being day-to-day with a shoulder sprain plus it being his final collegiate game, I'm leaning more towards the blowout. 

The Trojans have too much talent on both sides of the ball to have Georgia Tech upset them. 

Plus, I expect Lee and Woods to have huge days in both the passing and return games. 

USC fans may not be pleased with a Sun Bowl victory, but it's a postseason win, and a good way to end the season. 

Final Score: USC 55 - Georgia Tech 20

Follow @tjmcaloon