The Miami Hurricanes and the West Virginia Mountaineers converge in Orlando, Florida to compete in the Russell Athletic Bowl. The game is set to go off on Wednesday, December 28th at 5:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the ESPN Network. Entering this match-up, the Hurricanes are a -3 point favorite and the contest’s over/under sits at 57.
Two old Big East foes reunite, at least for a one-game event in Orlando. Miami and West Virginia are back in the ring for the first time since 2003. That year, the Hurricanes said so long and moved it over to the ACC. This is an interesting match-up, featuring to programs that have had interesting years.
West Virginia (10-2):
The Mountaineers weren’t picked to finish anywhere near the top of the Big-12 in 2016, yet they could’ve been playing for the championship if they didn’t falter to Oklahoma at home. Their unexpected success earned head coach Dana Holgorsen a pay raise and a five-year extension.
West Virginia is a veteran group of players that like to be physical on both sides of the ball. QB Skyler Howard is the senior leader of the offense, though the real unsung heroes are the blue-collar linemen who pave the way for West Virginia’s success. In 2016, Howard has tossed the pigskin around for 230 completions that resulted in almost 3,200 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10 picks.
Four different West Virginia tail backs have manage to record 100 yard rushing days throughout the 2016 campaign. Stand-out Justin Crawford leads this group with some impressive numbers considering the shared work. This year, he has darted for 1,168 yards and four scores. Quarterback Skyler Howard isn’t afraid to advance the ball with his legs, scoring a team-high nine rushing touchdowns and also 400 yards from scrimmage.
Wide receivers Daikiel Shorts and Shelton Gibson have stepped-up for the passing attack of the Mountaineers. Together, the two talented pass-catchers have racked-up 98 balls for well over 1,700 yards and 13 scores. Gibson likes the long ball, leading the team with a 23.2 yards per catch average.
The Mountaineer defense can give up some yardage at times during the course of a game, but they stiffen up when it matters most. West Virginia is 36th in the nation allowing only 23.4 points per game. Also, the front seven does okay against running backs, allowing only 175.5 yards a game which is 66th in the country.
Miami (8-4):
The Hurricanes have been a streaky ball club that opened the season with four wins then dropped the next four looking like a totally different squad. Fortunately for Miami fans, coach Mark Richt re-lit their fire and Miami closed out the season with four dominating victories.
Miami was starting to figure out a nice balance with tail backs Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby and quarterback Brad Kaaya to Stacy Coley. The passing end of the deal resulted in some productivity that kept secondaries guessing on the run or the pass. Overall, Kaaya threw for 3,250 yards on 237 completions with 23 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
The other side of the balanced attack seemed to be the stronger of the two. Running backs Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby gashed opposing defenses and kept the possession time in favor of the Canes’. Combined, the duo ran for over 1,600 yards and 21 scores. Walton lead the two with 1,065 yards and 14 end zone appearances.
Ahmmon Richards an Stacey Coley did their part to keep the chains moving down the field for quarterback Brad Kaaya. Together, they brought in 104 passes for almost 1,600 yards and 11 scores. Tight end David Njoku made his mark, also catching another 38 balls for 654 yards and seven trips to pay-dirt.
The Hurricanes have been rugged against running teams, West Virginia’s preferred mode of transportation. In fact, Miami has surrendered just 3.5 yards per carry and eight rushing touchdowns all year. The secondary is the weakest link, allowing 220 yards a game, which places them at 60th in the nation.
Trends and Notes:
The Mountaineers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 bowl games.
The Hurricanes are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 bowl games.
The Over is 8-3 in the Mountaineers last 11 Bowl games.
The Over is 5-1 in the Hurricanes last 6 vs. Big 12.
The Miami Hurricanes hold the Russell Athletic Bowl record for six appearances after this contest.
Quarterbacks have fared well in the Russell Athletic Bowl, with NFL players such as Aaron Rodgers, Phillip rivers and Russell Wilson all capturing MVP awards.
Game Prediction:
There’s not a lot that separates these two schools in terms of talent. West Virginia moves the ball efficiently down the field and their hard-nosed attitude on defense keeps opposing teams frustrated in the red zone.
The lights came back on for the Hurricanes about a month ago and the offensive line has picked up where they left off to start the 2016 season. Brad Kaaya has also been a lot more crisp over the past month, so Miami should be able to make plays in the running game and through the air.
This match-up could be one of the best of the college football bowl season. Odds makers feel the same way when they set they line at just a field goal. Once again this contest could go either way, so don’t rely on a coin toss to earn your money.
With Skylar Howard and his running game healthy, they should put up their fair share of points on a good but young defense. The Hurricanes are rolling in that same direction and West Virginia will break in the red zone. Take the over 57 and sit back and enjoy what could be the most entertaining bowl game of the season.
To make a wager on this game, head over to HERE and win a little cash for the holidays.
