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Charlie Grant
Capital One Orange Bowl: 2017 College Football Bowl Odds, Prediction
Both the Miami Hurricanes and Wisconsin Badgers would have been thrilled if told back in August they would end their seasons playing in the Orange Bowl. But disappointing losses late in the season gives this game a feel for a consolation prize for both parties.
Badgers vs. Hurricanes Spread and Betting Analysis
The Badgers perfect season and claim to the Big Ten championship were squashed when Ohio State won 27-21 in the conference title game. Wisconsin still finished the season 12-1 straight up and 8-5 against the spread. The Badgers were riding a four-game ATS winning streak until they ran into the Buckeyes. Miami won its first 10 games of the year with big wins over ranked opponents like Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. The ‘Canes finished the season by losing outright to Pittsburgh as 12-point chalk and followed that performance up by falling 38-3 to Clemson in the ACC title game. The Hurricanes finished the campaign 10-2 SU and 5-7 ATS with a 2-10 over under mark.
The game is being played in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium where the Hurricanes play their home games. That shouldn’t bother Wisconsin backers. The Badgers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 away games.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers boast the best total defence in the national after they allowed just 253.2 offensive yards per game. On offence, Wisconsin likes to do what Wisconsin teams always like to do – run the football.
The team possesses three All-American offensive linemen (not all first teamers) which helped pave the way to a 48.8 percent conversion rate on third down. The offensive line also kept the pocket clean for second-year starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook. The Badgers allowed the fewest sacks per game in the country at 1.5 per contest.
Running back Jonathan Taylor was the nation’s fourth leader rusher with 1847 yards on the ground to go along with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes became known for their turnover chain which was awarded to whichever defensive player secured a takeaway. Miami finished third in all of college football in takeaways per game at 2.5 and the team also led the country in sacks per game with 3.6.
The ‘Canes come into this game banged up. They’re missing top running back Mark Walton, big-play wideout Ahmmon Richards and starting tight end Christoper Herndon.
