College Bowl Preview (Part II)
By Corey Hunter
Russell Athletic Bowl
Miami Hurricanes Preview:
Nov 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes mascot celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Miami won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Hurricanes are going bowling for the first time in three years as the cloud of NCAA sanctions have been lifted. Head Coach Al Golden has not only maintained a strong program in the interim, but has also grown the Hurricane brand. Now with a win in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Miami can achieve a 10-win season for the first time since 2003.
After a late-season swoon that saw the Hurricanes lose three consecutive games, Miami rebounded by winning its final two contests to enter the Russell Athletic Bowl on a bit of a high. Senior Stephen Morris has been the heart and soul of this Miami squad. He enters the bowl game needing just 132 yards to post a 3,000-yard passing season. He also tossed 21 touchdowns on the season against only 12 interceptions.
The Hurricanes are deep at the receiving position featuring senior Allen Hurns. Hurns hauled in 60 catches for over 1,100 yards and 6 touchdowns. Miami should also get a boost with the return of junior Phillip Dorsett who has missed the last five games with an injury.
Louisville Cardinals Preview:
Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) reacts to a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals no doubt enter this game feeling like the season was a bit of a disappointment. Coming off of last season’s BCS defeat of Florida in the Sugar Bowl, anything less than a BCS bowl game this season and possibly a shot at the national title would be a letdown. Especially since Heisman trophy candidate Teddy Bridgewater announced he would be returning for his senior season.
The Cardinals would like to have one Friday night in mid-October back. They had a 28-7 lead late in the 3rd Quarter at home against UCF. The Golden Knights stormed back for the 38-35 win, derailing Louisville’s hopes at a BCS National Title shot.
Teddy Bridgewater has been the focal point for opposing defenses, and rightly so. This season he has amassed over 3,500 passing yards and has thrown 28 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is better this year than last season. Certainly Bridgewater has benefited from a relatively weak schedule. but still has posted some amazing numbers, none-the-less.
Bowl Outlook:
Miami should enter the game with a chip on its shoulder as Vegas has listed the Hurricanes as an underdog. Louisville has been playing out the string since their mid-season loss. This game has upset-alert written all over it. I won’t be surprised to see Miami win this game, but I see Louisville prevailing in Teddy Bridgewater’s last collegiate game.
No matter the result, I see this game as coming down to the final minutes as neither team really should pull away from the other.
Score: Miami – 30 Louisville – 31