Miami felt most of the momentum that was established during the two game winning streak leave after the bowl game. So many questions surround the program as to what has happened in such a short time. For the Wisconsin Badgers, the team rode on their All-American running back the entire night. Jonathan Taylor finished the season with over 2,000 rushing yards.
The Doak Walker winner would finish the game with 205 rushing yards against the Hurricanes. Much like all season, Wisconsin knew that Taylor could be counted on. The questions lingered around the Badgers passing attack. Starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook missed the game due to concussion symptoms. Sophomore Jack Coan would fill in for him but would only throw the ball 11 times, completing six passes for 73 yards.
All Wisconsin All Game
From the beginning it was Wisconsin that dictated how the game would go. The Badgers were able to score from the opening drive of the game. The Wisconsin defense got in on the show picking off Miami’s senior quarterback Malik Rosier on his first play of the game. On the following play the Wisconsin offense would hand it off to Taylor, who scored from seven yards out.
It was 14-0 with less than four minutes off of the clock in the first quarter. Miami seemed to show a bit of life after Rosier pulled the ball on a zone read option for 62 yards. That drive would be capped off with a field goal. The Hurricanes would go into halftime down 11 points but that would be the closest the game would be.
After what ended up being Rosier’s third interception of the game, Wisconsin would score off the turnover. Down by 18 points in the third quarter, Richt would finally make the choice to turn to N’Kosi Perry. His night did not end up any better as he completed one pass the entire game for two yards.
Overall the Badgers pressured the Hurricanes offense all game and forced five turnovers. Miami threw four interceptions between the two quarterbacks and had a fumble which Wisconsin also recovered. Ironically, the Hurricanes almost had as many interceptions as completions. Miami completed six passes all game in comparison to four interceptions.
Domination In The Trenches
The Hurricanes defense came into the game ranked first in the country in several categories. However against the Badgers made the defense look helpless in the cold weather. Five different running backs averaged over five yards a carry and that allowed Wisconsin to control the clock.
On the flip side, the Wisconsin defense basically eliminated the entire Miami running attack. Between the three Hurricanes running backs, none of them averaged more than two yards an attempt. Junior running back Travis Homer came into the game needing only 31 yards for an 1000 yard season and finished the game 15 yards short.
Many Questions To Be Answered
For the Wisconsin Badgers the rushing attack has always been the bread and butter. However after this game, the Badgers could potentially be replacing four members of that storied offensive line. Paul Chryst would also be replacing some defensive leadership in linebackers in TJ Edwards and Andrew Van Ginkel.
There are several questions as to what Miami will do offensively next season. So much so that athletic director Blake James has already released a statement via Twitter.
— Miami Athletics (@CanesAllAccess) December 28, 2018
Miami will return most of it’s offense but defensively will lose three senior starters in the secondary. Of course defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will also be leaving as he becomes the head coach at Temple. Miami is expected to learn on if several juniors will potentially stay for their senior season or enter the NFL Draft.
