Miami was a team coming into 2019 with high expectations due to the transfer of Tate Martell from Ohio State to Miami. That obviously did not work out as they will take on Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl on December 26th at 4 p.m. in Shreveport, La.
How They Got Here: Miami
Miami finished the season with a disappointing 6-6 record, including two straight losses to Duke and FIU. They opened up the season with a loss to in-state rival Florida, but showed flashes of potential in the game.
On offense, Miami has shown signs of potential but ultimately has not had consistent play from QB Jarren Williams. Their best offensive player is RB Deejay Dallas who is sitting out with an elbow injury.
Miami has the 130th ranked third-down offense in football. With inconsistent QB play and being without their top offensive weapon, I can see Miami having a hard time scoring points in this game.
One of the biggest, if not the biggest reasons Miami is bowl eligible is their defense. The defense is ranked 13th in the nation giving up 307.6 YPG and only 4.6 yards per play.
Miami will have to survive some of their key players sitting out for the draft. Defensive ends Jonathan Garvin and Trevon Hill, junior wide receiver Jeff Thomas, and linebacker Michael Pinckney will all sit out.
How They Got Here: Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech had arguably one of its best seasons in program history. Finishing 9-3 just missing a chance to play for the Conference USA Championship. With a win, they would have their first 1o win season since 1984.
On offense, they will have their work cut out for them going up against the 13th ranked defense in the nation. But, on offense, they are averaging 445 YPG and 34 PPG. Led by Conference USA player of the year, QB J’Mar Smith, They should be able to hold their own against a depleted Miami defense.
Justin Henderson is just shy of a 1,000-yard season but does have 15 TDs on the season. Smith will have Cee Jay Powell, Smoke Harris, Adrian Hardy as his top targets.
On defense, Louisiana Tech will be without Amik Robinson, one of the best defensive backs in the nation. He is sitting out for the NFL draft. As I said earlier, Miami is among the worst on third-down. If they can get Miami to third down, they should handle Miami.
Players To Watch
Miami: Cam’ron Harris
Miami will be without its top offensive threat in Deejay Dallas. Harris will need to pick up his production as Miami already has problems on offense to begin with. With just under 600 yards rushing and five TDs on the season, Harris will look to make a big name for himself for next season.
Louisiana Tech: J’Mar Smith
If Smith plays his game, I can see Miami losing big time. Without some of their top defensive players, Miami could have a hard time against the Conference USA player of the year. They have all the weapons on offense, they just need their QB to be the electric player that he is.
Gambling: Miami -6, O/U 50
Without their top defensive players, Miami is in big trouble. I just don’t see Miami’s offense being good enough to bail them out if their inexperienced defense has a tough time against a big-time offense. I am taking Louisiana and the points.