How can the Miami Hurricanes offense exploit Wisconsin’s defense?
The Hurricanes have struggled to keep opposing defenses on the field all season long. Miami finished 124th out of 129 teams in third-down conversion rate this season. Miami converted just 29.4 percent of the time on third down.
Third down presents a bad matchup for Miami. The Badgers defense finished sixth in the country allowing teams to convert just 29.6 percent of the time on third down. Rosier struggled on third down this season. He completed only 45.8 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and four interceptions on third down this year.
Several teams did have success against Wisconsin this year on third down. Their dominant defensive performance against Iowa skewed their third-down conversion rate. The Badgers held the Hawkeyes to 66 total yards and 0-13 on third down.
At least four Wisconsin opponents had a minimum of 37.5 percent on third downs this season. Keeping drives alive is going to be critical for the Hurricanes.
Miami is also going to have to convert better in the red zone. The Hurricanes convert at a rate of 92.7 percent in the red zone to rank 11th nationally. That includes field goals. Miami has been able to convert only 58.54 percent of their red zone possessions into touchdowns.