Wisconsin Puts the Hurt on Miami to Score for the Big Ten

Wisconsin came into the Champ Sports Bowl as underdogs but outplayed the Hurricanes of Miami for almost the entire game. The Big Ten has 7 bowl games this year and Wisconsin wasn’t one of the teams expected to give the conference a winning record for 2010. But they got things started on the right foot with a powerful kicking of a Miami team that came in ranked 10 spots higher in the BCS polls.

By Steve Patterson

Miami got on the board early with a great kick off return down to the 6th yard line but Wisconsin controlled the ball for 39 minutes and made great play after great play on both sides of the ball. UM quarterback Jacory Harris was bothered all night but linebackers and defensive ends batting down his passes and sacking him. UW running back John Clay (121 yards) had another outstanding performance scoring twice in a 20-14 win that wasn’t as close as the score would have you believe.

Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien had a great performance in addition to Clay going 19-26 for 260 yards. His favorite targets on the night were his tight ends Lance Kendricks and Garrett Graham. They combined for 205 yards on 13 catches and could not be covered by the linebackers and safeties of Miami.

The Badgers finished the year with 10 wins after a disappointing season last year. They are set to finish in the top 20 and begin next season even higher in the polls. They should continue to be near the top of the Big Ten next year with many starters returning.

Outstanding Big Ten Bowls:

Insight Bowl: Minnesota v Iowa St Thursday
Outback Bowl: Northwestern v Auburn Friday
Capital One Bowl: Penn State v LSU Friday
Rose Bowl: Ohio State v Oregon Friday
Alamo Bowl: Michigan State v Texas Tech Saturday
Orange Bowl: Iowa v Georgia Tech Tuesday