Where does the 'W' come before the 'U'? In the Champs Sports Bowl at Orlando where the Badger defense and the cold snap have restricted the vaunted Miami offense to 107 yards. Is the 'Hurricane' season over?
The Badgers had the worst possible start to the game giving up the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Or not. The TD was called back for holding but the Canes punched it in with a speed sweep to the side for a TD anyway. only 28 ticks had run off of the clock. But credit Bielema's bunch who slowly clawed their way back with some great play calling, some great blocking, terrific throws from QB Tolzien and catches by the tight ends. The only blemish - a tipped pass that was intercepted by the Canes on their own 33 yard line.
So was this a duel between strength and speed? No - in my opinion. Its a good cliche but Wisconsin was not just power football and Miami was not pure speed either. The opening kickoff was a combination of speed and scheme. Likewise, a lot of the pass rush from Wisconsin is all about speed from the LBs especially Schofield. Borland has had a quiet night so far.
On offense, Miami has struggled mainly because Wisconsin is dominating the line of scrimmage. Jacory Harris has not had time to set his feet and has hit the turf several times. Cooper, their star RB limped away at the end of the half and it will be interesting to see if he makes a return.
On offense for Wisconsin, the play calling has been terrific. A good mix of runs between tackles, off the edge, play-action-passes, shovel passes and also a timely screen. Tolzien is feeling it right now along with his fine TE Lance Kendricks who has 4 receptions already and the key blocks in both the Wisconsin TDs.
A riveting first half and now lets see how the second half unfolds.
