S Carolina tops Miami 24-21 in Independence Bowl

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Dylan Thompson threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score in South Carolina’s 24-21 victory over Miami on Saturday in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl.

Pharoh Cooper was Thompson’s favorite target, catching nine passes for 170 yards, including a spectacular 25-yard grab on what proved to be the decisive drive late in the fourth quarter.

Thompson completed 22 of 34 passes.

South Carolina (7-6) has won a school-record four straight bowl games. Miami (6-7) ended the season on a four-game losing streak and hasn’t won in the postseason since 2006.

Miami’s Duke Johnson ran for 132 yards and caught five passes for 51 yards, but his costly fumble with a little more than 5 minutes remaining set up South Carolina’s winning drive.

Miami’s Brad Kaaya threw for 236 yards, one touchdown and one interception.