In a return to a place where they were lambasted one year ago by another Florida school, the Wisconsin Badgers will play the Miami Hurricanes in the Champs Sports Bowl.

While both teams have had resurgent seasons, they get it done in different ways. Wisconsin wants to run the ball and use play action to get the ball to their tight-ends and young, developing wide receivers whereas the Hurricanes prefer to let their speed do the work and get athletes in space – depending on their quarterback to deliver the football accurately. Let’s take a look at the match-up:

WHEN WISCONSIN HAS THE BALL…

John Clay will be the focus of the Badgers offense

Wisconsin will try and pound the ball using the best running back in the Big 10 this season, John Clay-who has run for 16 touchdowns-to run right at another fast Miami defense. Running right at the Hurricanes will neutralize their speed advantage somewhat and focus on making linebackers take on bigger blockers while trying the tackle Clay and backup Montee Ball.

Badger quarterback Scott Tolzien has proven himself to be an accurate passer capable of using the play action game to hit emerging sophomore wide receiver Nick Toon-who caught 52 balls for over 700 yards-and tight ends Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks downfield. He lacks arm strength but can be effective if used correctly. The Canes have been inconsistent at times stopping both the pass and the run this year. Miami corners have struggled limiting the big play and with the Badgers weapons at all three skilled positions, they seem likely to approach their points per game average of 32, although Wisconsin has struggled against the two top defenses they have seemed this year (Iowa and Ohio State), scoring just 26 points in those two games. They will need to run the ball effectively to win this game.

WHEN MIAMI HAS THE BALL…

Jacory Harris is a dangerous weapon for the 'Canes both on the ground and in the air

The Canes quarterback Jacory Harris is their main weapon, showing a solid arm with good touch and athletic ability. Harris has proven to be accurate when given time but, like most quarterbacks, will rush throws and make poor decisions under duress. Even though they have a quality stable of running backs including Javarris James and Graig Cooper, the Miami offensive line has been inconsistent and has kept the talented backfield from being even more productive.

Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson has given Harris a threat to stretch the field with and has been what Nick Toon has meant to Scott Tolzien. The secondary is where the Badgers are the weakest and the Canes receiving core could have a big impact. Miami will try to isolate their athletes in space and on the edge, allowing them to go one-on-one in the open field, which is what they do best. Wisconsin’s defensive line is underrated with J.J. Watt and O’Brien Schofield having the ability to play at the next level. Whether or not the Miami offensive line can succeed against the Wisconsin front seven will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.

Positional Advantages:

UW     Pos     Miami
QB             √
√           RB
WR           √
√            OL
√            DL
LB            √
DB            √
SPECIAL       √

PREDICTION…Wisconsin 28, Miami 27
This seems like a classic speed vs. strength showdown but Wisconsin has playmakers on both sides of the ball that will help some against the big speed advantage for Miami. The keys to the game will be how the Wisconsin secondary can defend against the Miami passing attack and how well the Badgers will use the run and play action game. It should be a fairly close game, with Wisconsin’s d-line forcing Harris into a few turnovers to pull off the mild upset.

Lineup:
“The Denman” Chris Dennis
“Big A” Adam Maritato
Grego “the Cop” Boulanger
Derek “City of” Watson

Call In: Bucks Locker Room Insider Adam Weigand

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