Tested Michigan to play South Carolina in Outback

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan junior fullback Stephen Hopkins has left the team.

Wolverines coach Brady Hoke made the announcement Monday, but declined further comment.

Hopkins started in four of eight games this year and didn't get the ball once. He had 48 carries for 194 yards rushing and four touchdowns in his first two seasons.

No. 19 Michigan is preparing to play No. 11 South Carolina in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day in Tampa, Fla.

The Wolverines are the only team since at least 1996 to go into the postseason after facing the top three teams in The Associated Press poll. They lost each game to No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 2 Alabama and No. 3 Ohio State.

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