How can the Miami Hurricanes offense exploit Wisconsin’s defense?

Miami has to be able to protect Malik Rosier and give him time to throw. Miami ranked 76th nationally allowing 2.17 sacks per game. The Badgers pass rush was not far behind top-ranked Hurricanes. Wisconsin averaged three sacks per game this season. The Hurricanes led the nation with 3.58 sacks per game.

Even if the Miami offensive line can slow the Badgers pass rush the Hurricanes still have a big challenge with Wisconsin’s pass defense. The Badgers are fourth nationally against the pass allowing 160.6 yards per game.

The Hurricanes pass offense has been far more consistent than the run. Miami averages 245.1 passing yards per game. Although it’s the Hurricanes passing game that fuels their offense, stopping the running game is the key to defeating the Miami Hurricanes. Miami has often struggled running the football in the four losses during the Richt era.

Mark Richt emphasized over the summer the importance of his quarterbacks taking care of the ball. Despite only a 54.6 quarterback completion percentage, Rosier does have 25 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. The Badgers have 17 interceptions against only 11 touchdown passes allowed.

Two of the nation’s 12th ranked teams in interceptions will play in the Orange Bowl game on Saturday. The Hurricanes and Badgers tied with Troy for 12th in the country in ints.

It’s not just the interceptions when Wisconsin picks the ball off. The Badgers are dangerous with the ball once they secure the Int. Wisconsin tied with Texas for the lead in interception return touchdowns with five.