The Badgers outgained the Hurricanes 406-169, and Wisconsin really had a chance to win by more, but Rafael Gaglianone missed a pair of field goals in the first half. Bucky’s defense only allowed six first downs and of the 169 yards by Miami, 62 came on one play. The Badgers snatched Miami’s turnover chain and forced five Hurricanes turnovers and Wisconsin had a 2-to-1 edge in time of possession. This was the biggest margin of victory in Badgers bowl history. The game started out well for Wisconsin, as Coan led the Badgers down the field and he tossed a 35-yard touchdown to Pryor. That was followed by Eric Burrell picking off Malik Rosier on Miami’s first play, which set up Taylor’s touchdown. The game turned midway through the third. After a long punt return by DeeJay Dallas, Miami had a chance to cut it to 14-10, but T.J. Edwards picked off Rosier. After that, it was all Badgers. It was a disappointing season, especially after losing the axe in the regular season finale to Minnesota, but it ended on a major high note.
There were only highs in this one, and it starts with No. 23. Taylor ran for 205 yards and Wisconsin ran for 333 yards as a team. The Hurricanes only allowed 3.3 yards per carry going in, and they were only allowing 127 yards per game on the ground. Even without star defensive lineman Gerald Willis, Miami still had great defenders everywhere. Wisconsin shoved it down their throats, early and often. On the opening possession, Taylor ran it the first four plays, and gained 28 yards. His 2,194 yards is the second most rushing yards in a single season in Wisconsin history, only trailing Melvin Gordon’s 2,587 in 2014. Amazingly, he now has 4,171 total rushing yards in his first two years, which is already fifth in school history. He is just 2,235 yards shy of Donnel Pumphrey’s “record.” He just finished his sophomore season. His two year total is the third most in NCAA history in a two-year span. Taylor tied Brent Moss for the 10th most rushing touchdowns in a season with 16. He is remarkable.
Wisconsin’s offensive line took the challenge of playing a terrific Miami front and dominated the matchup....even without possible first round pick David Edwards. Wisconsin guards Beau Benzschawel and Michael Deiter left with a bang. Edwards and center Tyler Biadasz also may leave, but will take time to decide. It was nice to see Taiwan Deal and even Chris James get in the game and play well, each averaging five yards per carry. It was physical domination from the opening drive. Kudos to the offensive line.
It was easily the best performance by the defense this season. The three points allowed was the fewest allowed since surrendering three against Western Kentucky in the season opener. It was the fewest points allowed against a major conference opponent since shutting out Minnesota in the regular season finale last season. Freshman nose tackle Bryson Williams, playing for the injured Olive Sagapolu, is becoming a real good nose tackle. He will be starting alongside Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk next year in what should be a much-improved defensive line.
The linebackers were all over the place. Senior T.J. Edwards led the Badgers with nine tackles, with one tackle for loss and his 10th career interception, which ties him with David Greenwood for seventh in school history. He also recovered a fumble. Fellow senior Andrew Van Ginkel had eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Junior Chris Orr, playing in place of the injured Ryan Connelly, had eight tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception. The front seven also helped stymie a really good Miami ground attack. Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas, who combined to rush for 1,578 yards and 10 touchdowns and averaging 6.1 yards per carry, were held to a combined 24 yards on 14 carries. The team stats don’t look that bad, rushing for 121 yards on 23 carries, but 90 of them were by quarterback Malik Rosier, including a 62-yard scamper. Outside of that 62-yarder, Miami was held to 59 yards on 22 carries, less than three yards per carry. Sensational performance by the front seven.
Miami does not exactly have Aaron Rodgers under center, but the secondary played well also. Playing without senior safety D’Cota Dixon, the secondary picked off two passes and held Miami to 48 yards passing on six completions. They set the tone on the first offensive snap for the Hurricanes, as safety Eric Burrell picked off a Rosier pass and returned it inside the 10, which set up the second Badgers touchdown. Cornerback Caesar Williams picked off a pass late that set up the knockout touchdown.
Finally, hats off to the seniors. With the exception of kicker Rafael Gaglianone, the senior class had a great send-off Thursday night. Gaglianone did tie Ron Dayne for second most points scored in school history. I mentioned both senior running backs (Deal and James) averaging more than five yards per carry, combining for 78 yards on 15 carries. I mentioned the great play of the linemen and linebackers, who also went out with a bang. Fullback Alec Ingold ran five times for 11 yards and scored a touchdown for the Badgers.
This was a much-needed performance after an underwhelming season. Wisconsin will be one of the leaders for the Big Ten West once again. This is a nice boost going into 2019. The Badgers will likely have a quarterback competition, and it will be interesting to see the improvement among the defenders and who Wisconsin will lose to the NFL. Onto 2019...
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