MIAMI GARDENS – Miami falls to Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl 34-24.
Wisconsin started off fast, but running back Johnathan Taylor fumbled on the Badgers first drive. It would be recovered by Miami defensive back Dee Delaney.
Miami could not capitalize on the turn over as their first offensive drive would end on a missed field goal.
Wisconsin would strike first on a 35 yard field goal by kicker Rafael Gaglianone with a little under eight minutes in the first quarter.
The badgers got in the red zone twice on their first two possession but couldn’t finish their drives with a touchdown.
Miami would answer back with a score after a 7 play, 75 yard drive that would end with Travis Homer running it in from five yards out.
The Miami defense was swarming throughout the first quarter as they only let the badgers get a field goal and forced three consecutive three and outs.
Miami quarterback Malik Rosier would throw an interception to Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Grinkle at the start of the second quarter.
Wisconsin would capitalize on the Hurricanes miscue and score on a 20 yard pass from quarterback Alex Hornibrook to wide out Danny Davis early in the second quarter.
The Badgers defense seem to wake up in the second quarter as they forced Miami into a three and out after a huge sack by nose tackle Olive Sagapolu.
After a 13 yard pass play from Hornibrook to wide out Austin Ramesh, would leap over a Miami defender to put Wisconsin in the red zone. The badgers would score on the very next play on a 16 yard pass from Hornibrook to wide out A.J. Taylor with a little under five left in the second quarter.
The Badgers defense would shift momentum in the second quarter as they forced the hurricanes offense into two straight three and outs.
Wisconsin would score on a five yard pass from Hornibrook to Danny Davis to extend the Badgers lead to 24-14 right before halftime.
Miami would force the badgers into a three and out on their first offensive drive in the second half. Defensive lineman Chad Thomas sacked the badgers quarterback for a loss of seven yards.
The Hurricanes would start fast in the second half as it only took two plays and 26 seconds to score on a 38 yard pass from Malik Rosier to Lawrence Cager.
After a near interception by Shaquille Quarterman the third quarter the hurricanes would force the badgers into a three and out.
Wisconsin’s defense would flex their muscle in the third quarter and pick off Malik Rosier for the second time of the night, this time Cornerback Derrick Tindal.
The Badgers would score in the third quarter on a 47 yard field goal by Rafael Gaglianone.
The Malik Rosier and Lawrence Cager show would start in the fourth quarter as the two would hook up on two big pass plays. The Canes promising drive would end with a 41 yard field goal from Michael Badgley.
Quarterback Alex Hornibrook and wide out Danny Davis would hook up for their third touchdown of the night in the fouth quarter on a six yard pass.
Malik Rosier would connect with wide out Jeff Thomas on a 48 yard pass that would put the canes in striking distance but the drive would end on a missed field goal with a little over four minutes left in the game.
With a little over a minute left in the fourth quarter Miami would make another costly mistake as the Badgers would pick off Malik Rosier for the third time.
Wisconsin’s Hornibrook would take a knee to end the game.
Hornibrook was named the 2017 Orange Bowl Most valuable player after completing 24 of 34 passes, 258 yards, and four touchdowns.
Post-game comments from Miami:
Head coach Mark Richt:
“I’ve got a statement. First I want to, first of all, say how much I really appreciate this football team, the seniors in particular, but everybody. Super-coachable bunch of guys. Did some things that hadn’t been done around here in a while. Did some things that have never been done. We got to taste 15 in a row, wins in a row, and then we had to taste three in a row. Obviously been a pretty streaky team in that way. But very proud of everybody, very thankful for our coaching staff, our administration, our support staff, our fans, unbelievable, including tonight.”
“I know I lost my cool, I thought rightfully so as far as being mad, but not rightfully so using some of the language I used, not particularly proud of myself there. I apologize to anybody who can read lips.” He said.
Malik Rosier:
“We knew we had to execute. They did a really good job of just making me throw balls in tight coverage. One time, the first interception I had, it was a great job by the guy. KC tried to cut him. He did a great job using his hands and getting his hands up and the ball just unfortunately wound up hitting him. They were fast, they were physical, and they just did a great job of making me throw low-percentage passes, so I take my cap off to those guys, and they just made plays all day.”
Shaquille Quarterman:
“Well, their running back is very talented. We seen all year just watching him. I like to watch him on film and I like to watch the TV copies and he does a great job of running his feet, and with the lineup they have, big stout guys. It’s hard to schematically deflate that type of offense. You really just have to play them man-to-man. I think we did a great job today. I think it was a war today.”
Post-game comments from Wisconsin:
Head coach Paul Chryst:
“Well, truly proud of what this team did tonight and all year long. I think the best part of tonight was a reflection of what it’s been all year, and it’s a great team victory. It takes everyone, and I thought everyone contributed. Proud of what this team did.”
Danny Davis III:
“You know, I had pretty good practice, so it carries out into the game. I wanted to come out here and play for the seniors and finish strong, and I feel I did a pretty good job.”
Alex Hornibrook:
“It was fun to be out here with these guys, and our receivers were making plays for me, Danny and AJ, and the O-line did a great job, and the defense helped us out like we did all year.”
Photo Credit: Keith Forde
