Miami Hurricanes vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Champs Sports Bowl Preview & Predictions

December 29, 2009 | 8:00 PM EST, Orlando, FL, on ESPN

Champs Sports Bowl

Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) vs Miami Hurricanes (9-3)

Opening Line: Miami -2 (current Miami -3 )

Game Preview

Two 9-3 teams, each with three losses to bowl teams, but two vastly different stories.

The Hurricanes were everyone's darling in the early going. They made it through the most difficult start to a season of any team and seemed poised for a BCS birth. A couple of conference losses later and they are playing in December not January.

For the Badgers, not much was expected after last season's down year. They responded by doing what they what they always do — winning. They are not always pretty but they are effective. Miami will represent a different challenge than their Big Ten foes as the Hurricanes are just dripping with athleticism.

Wisconsin Preview

The Badgers are very predictable. They run the ball, work in the tight end, and play rugged defense. This formula hasn't changed in years and there is no reason for it to start now. They may not be BCS worthy but this team is always competitive and plays well in bowl games when experts think their lack of pure athletes will be exploited.

To reiterate, John Clay is a load, Garret Graham is an NFL calibur TE and they give up less than 100 yards per game on the ground — good for No. 8 in the nation. If all three elements are sharp they will be in this game and could win it.

Miami Preview

When the old Hurricanes were at their best, there was no team more fun to watch. They would beat you, step on your throat, and steal your girl.

This team is not quite there but it is closer than they have been in years. The talent is back and all that is missing is consistency and that killer instinct.

The strength of the offense is the passing game led by Jacory Harris. He is cool under pressure and spreads the ball around. The offense is loaded with speed so the Badgers better tackle well or else this one could get out of hand.

Game Prediction

The Badgers will not give up and will not be intimidated. They will take Miami's best punch and come back for more, but I think they come up a little bit short. The 'Canes will bust a couple big plays on offense but more importantly, the D will be ready for a vanilla Badgers attack.

Score Prediction

Miami  - 27 Wisconsin  - 17

Pick

'Canes finish strong to start the campaign for 2010. The only thing that makes me pause is that Wisconsin is 4-1 ATS in their last five bowl games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0. Grab "The U" on the Money Line.

Miami Hurricanes Football Betting Trends

• Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
• Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games

Wisconsin Badgers Football Betting Trends

• Wisconsin is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games