Last year’s Orange Bowl gets a decidedly less prestigious rematch as Miami and Wisconsin will tangle for a second straight year and for a third bowl in the last decade. Now I realize both school’s had disappointing seasons but there is still a lot of talent on the field so if both teams are invested, it should be a fun game. That is also the problem. Why would these teams be invested?
How did Wisconsin get here?
Losing to BYU, Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State, and Minnesota. It goes a bit deeper than that. I mean, why did Wisconsin lose those games? Well last year UW had an amazing defense that covered up some quarterback deficiencies. The offensive line was outstanding and the receiving corps was good enough to bail out said quarterback. This year the defense took a step back, the OL took a step back, the receiving group took a step back, and the quarterback continued to be inconsistent week to week and drive to drive. It wasn’t a recipe for disaster because the Badger offensive line was still really good and Jonathan Taylor is still an amazing running back (1,989 yards and 15 TDs) but enough things went wrong to end Wisconsin’s “playoff” hopes early and ultimately keep them out of the Big Ten title game.
How did Miami get here?
Having really poor seasons from two quarterbacks. Maybe N’Kosi Perry bounces back from a struggle filled freshman season and Malik Rosier finishes strong as a grad transfer somewhere but it is safe to say Mark Richt broke these guys this year. From quick pulls to routinely switching starters neither guy could feel safe about their job. As a result the offense during a key four game losing skid in ACC play that saw the ‘Caines score just 13 points at Virginia, 14 points at Boston College, 12 points against Duke, and 21 points at Georgia Tech. UM’s defense was good enough to make the ACC title game but that offense was too far out of sync too many times this season for the U to live up to expectations.
Who will win…and why?
With two teams that don’t want to be in this bowl game I’ll take the team that won’t mind the weather. Helping matters is in games like this is taking the team that has the best player. Jonathan Taylor is clearly the best football player on the field for this bowl so if he plays well and Wisconsin gives a damn, they’ll win.
How to watch
- Date: December 27
- Time: 4:15 pm, central
- TV: ESPN
- Location: Yankee Stadium, New York City
Gambling Guide
- Miami -2.5, Over / Under 46.5
Miami finished stronger (2-0) and in the finale smoked a good running team / mixed everywhere-else-type club (Pittsburgh) while Wisconsin wrapped up 2018 going just 1-2. That 1-2 mark was part of a larger 3-4 trend that the Badgers experienced the back half of the season so I get why Miami is favored. I just can’t shake the feeling that Miami is more ‘off’ than Wisconsin. They just switched quarterbacks again and they are playing a game in the 40s. Throw in Jonathan Taylor and you see why the public money is swinging Wisconsin’s way. As a part of the public and not a sharp, I will join the bandwagon and take the points. The under is also intriguing. Both offenses have been inconsistent at best and Yankee Stadium has some weird sight lines and angles when configured for football, could be a low scoring affair.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Wisconsin/Miami – Points, Under
Big Ten and Counting 