A victory versus the Hurricanes would let the Scarlet Knights to cap off a successful season.
This Thursday afternoon’s matchup between Miami and Rutgers in New York City is crucial for the future of both teams. The season for the Hurricanes has been up and down, starting with a four-game winning streak. But the true rollercoaster started on October 7 against Georgia Tech, when they made a stunning clock-management error that led to back-to-back OT victories in the middle of the season and a four-game losing streak in November. During his two years of restoring a once-proud program back to national prominence, coach Mario Cristobal has faced challenges.
Conversely, the Scarlett Knights have proven to be one of the season’s more remarkable tales. Before November arrived, they were bowl eligible, but as their schedule tightened up, they dropped four straight games to conclude the season.
What can you anticipate on Thursday afternoon? Let’s dissect the game and decide.
Need to know about Miami vs. Rutgers
What offense scheme will Miami employ? Jacurri Brown, a rookie quarterback who has not yet attempted a throw this season, will start for the Hurricanes at quarterback. But as a rookie last season, he started two games and finished with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The Hurricanes’ lone scholarship player is the former four-star prospect from Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Tyler Van Dyke transferred, while Emory Williams sustained an arm injury during the regular season.
Ground and pound:
Kyle Monangai, the running back for the Scarlet Knights, has been phenomenal this season. With 1,099 yards this season, the junior leads the Big Ten in rushing. In an indication that this team wants to be here to face the Hurricanes, the All-Big Ten selection said earlier this month that he will rejoin the program. Miami’s rush defense is the best in the ACC, giving up less than 100 yards a contest; yet, there are a lot of opt outs and transfers for that unit to deal with in this game.
How strong is the Rutgers defense going to be?
With opponents being held to points on 73.81% of their visits, the Scarlett Knights have been outstanding in the red zone. They are second in the Big Ten behind Michigan. Roster attrition won’t have much of an effect on them, thus they should be able to maintain their success on Thursday afternoon.
How to watch the live Pinstripe Bowl
When: Thursday, December 28 at 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Bronx, New York’s Yankee Stadium
ESPN on TV; Fubo live streaming
Pinstripe Bowl forecast and selections
odds by consensus from SportsLine
Even in non-scary circumstances, it’s difficult to trust Miami, much less in a Northeast bowl game including personnel concerns. The Scarlett Knights will gradually wear out the Hurricanes, capitalize on a defensive lapse in the second half, and cruise to a decisive victory that will solidify coach Greg Schiano’s team’s status as a formidable Big Ten club. Selection: Rutgers +1
