New Year’s Six: Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl: (6) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (10) Miami Hurricanes

Line: Wisconsin (-6.5)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017
Time: 8:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL

Wisconsin (12-1)
Best Player: running back Jonathan Taylor

Wisconsin finally met their match in the Big Ten title game after completing a 12-0 regular season. Ohio State was able to stop running back Jonathan Taylor, who has rushed for over 1,800 yards this year as a true freshman. The strength of this Wisconsin team is found in the trenches, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Guard Beau Benzschawel and tackle David Edwards anchor the right side of an offensive line that has paved the way for Taylor. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook is experienced, and has only lost one game as a starter, but he turns the ball over too much. His 15 INTs this season are far too many, especially for someone who is supposed to be a game manager rather than a playmaker for his team. On defense, the Badgers are rock solid, allowing just over 13 points per game. That being said, they’ve only faced two top 50 offenses this year (FAU and Ohio State).

Miami (10-2)
Best Player(s): linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney

After getting off to a blazing 10-0 start, many thought that “The U” was back. But, the ‘Canes struggled in their last two games, losing to unranked Pitt and getting embarrassed by Clemson in the ACC title game. Although injuries played a part in those losses, the play of quarterback Malik Rosier was the main reason Miami lost two straight. He completed under 50% of his passes in both of these games, and seemed to lack the confidence he had had earlier in the year. The same can be said for the entire Miami squad, as they looked a bit flat against Pitt and Clemson, compared to their contests against Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. Defensively, this team is loaded with talent and athleticism in the front seven. Linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney are one of the best linebacking tandems in the country. Chad Thomas and R.J. Macintosh are disruptive on the defensive line as well, combining for 23 tackles for loss.

The game will be decided by…

The play of Rosier. The ‘Canes have been devastated by injuries on offense, but regardless, Rosier needs to have a big game. His accuracy down the field must improve if his team is to move the ball against the Badgers. He’s played in, and won, big games before, so experience shouldn’t be an issue.

Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Miami 13