Miami (FL) vs (18) Louisville

December 28, 2013 at 6:45 PM ET

Orlando, FL

Miami (FL):

After starting the year with seven straight wins, it appeared as if Miami may have become an underdog team in the ACC. Following the hot streak, Miami fell victim to three consecutive losses to Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Duke. Star running back Duke Johnson suffered a season ending injury in the latter half of the year and it will keep him out of the bowl game. Dallas Crawford assumed the role of starting running back and will do so against Louisville. The game, as have all the games with Johnson out, will rest on quarterback Stephen Morris’ shoulders.

Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater nearly led Louisville to their assumed undefeated season. Had it not been for the tragically close loss to UCF, Louisville would have finished the year 12-0. Quietly, Louisville’s defense was largely responsible for the team’s success. Through the regular season, they allowed an average of 12.4 points per game and held seven teams to 10 points or less. Sadly, they were rarely given credit for their efforts because the media was too focused on Teddy Bridgewater. Not to say Bridgewater does not deserve the attention, but his spotlight took away from Louisville’s solid defense.

Game Matchup

Stopping Teddy Bridgewater: For Miami, this will be much easier said than done. Bridgewater is the best quarterback in the nation and has a solid receiving corps supporting him. To counter that, one would normally bring loads of pressure, especially considering Louisville’s mediocre offensive line. The problem is that Bridgewater handles such pressure better than any quarterback in the country. Miami’s pass rushers would have to be playing better than they have all year long and they would have to bring six rushers to be effective. With six rushers, only five players are in coverage and Bridgewater will take advantage of that.

Do not underestimate Louisville’s running backs: Just as Louisville’s defense is overshadowed, so are their running backs. The main attack is led by Dominique Brown and Senorise Perry, both of which are commanding runners that thrive despite Louisville’s mediocre offensive line. In relief of them is Michael Dyer who sees limited carries, but can be just as much of a threat. Combined, the trio has ran for 1,600-plus yards and 16 total touchdowns. If Miami focuses too heavily on Louisville’s passing attack, the running backs will strike.

Containing Miami’s offensive weapons: Although Duke Johnson is injured, Miami still has multiple talented skill position players. Receivers Allen Hurns and Stacey Coley are two different types of receivers, but both talented in their own rights. Coley is a speed player with feared deep threat ability. Hurns is more of a reliable, consistent safety blanket for Stephen Morris. Not to mention Phillip Dorsett, who is also a speed threat from the wide receiver position. Louisville’s defensive backs will need to keep them at bay and force Morris to panic.

While Miami’s offensive is talented, Louisville’s is more versatile and deadly, considering Miami is without Duke Johnson. Their offense will have to carry the team because Miami’s defense will struggle to contain Teddy Bridgewater and company. There is no single area in which Miami heavily, or at all, overpowers Louisville. With the advantage in matchups, expect Louisville to come out on top.

Prediction: Louisville- 35 vs Miami- 24

Draft Impact

Teddy Bridgewater: Unwarranted criticism has been surrounding Bridgewater as of late and this will be his final opportunity to silence his doubters. He is the best quarterback in the nation, not just among draft eligibles. Bridgewater will pick apart Miami’s defense and prove for the last time that he is rightfully the best quarterback in this class.

Calvin Pryor: The Louisville safety picked up some draft discussion early in the year, but has faded away. This is not due to performance, just the trends among the draft community. If he can make a few stunning plays against Miami’s threatening passing attack, his name wil lonce again enter discussions about the top safety prospects.

Stephen Morris: Morris has all the natural arm talent in the world, but struggles taming it. One play, he will throw a gorgeous pass, but the next play, he will overthrow a simple crossing route. Morris is a troubling prospect, but the upside is there. If he can go out with a solid performance, he may give a good lasting taste for GMs and scouts.