Saturday, head coach Steve Spurrier announced that a pair of players, including wide receiver D.L. Moore, would not play in the Outback Bowl due to violating unspecified team rules.
A day later, the Gamecocks’ opponent has one-upped them in the suspension department.
Michigan announced via a press release that cornerback J.T. Floyd (no relation), linebacker Brandin Hawthorne and punter Will Hagerup have been suspended for the bowl game. As is ofttimes the case, “a violation of team rules” was cited as the reason.
“It is an honor to play football for the University of Michigan, and we have high standards and expectations for everyone that represents our program,” head coach Brady Hoke said in a statement. “These young men used poor judgment in each circumstance, and these suspensions are teaching moments for our team.”
The loss of Floyd is the most significant of the three as started all 12 games for the Wolverines in 2012 at one of the corner slots. Floyd earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Hagerup is UM’s starting punter so that will have an impact on special teams -- he led the conference in punting -- while Hawthorne played in 12 games, mainly on special teams.
As both Floyd and Hawthorne are seniors, their collegiate careers have come to an abrupt end.