Miami vs Rutgers: Four Game Day Questions
It's game day for the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. The Miami Hurricanes are in the Bronx, N.Y. to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a game that has some unique questions based on how Miami quarterback Jacurri Brown handles his big opportunity, the weather, and more.
1) Will Miami quarterback Jacurri Brown play well in his first 2023 start?
Most football fans know that a team usually goes as far as its quarterback will lead it. Brown does not need to throw for 250 yards and run for another 100, but keen decision-making and timely big plays are two of the primary objectives.
Above all else, protect the football. This is often the No. 1 predictor for which football team wins. Especially in what could be windy conditions, even one ill-timed pass could be intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
Let's see how Brown performs. This is a tremendous opportunity for the young man. He possesses the size, arm strength, and athleticism to make plays. Time to go do it.
2) Will the rain, wind, and temperature make a major impact?
According to weather.com, today's afternoon forecast reads as follows:
"Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 52F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%."
Living most of the year in South Florida, the University of Miami players see rain as much or more than any other team's college players. That's not a big deal. The wind and temperatures could be, however, if the Miami players allow it to be.
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In particular, catching a cold and wet football can be quite difficult for receivers, tight ends, and running backs alike. New York weather can also be fickle; it will be interesting to see just how cold it is today and how the Miami players adapt.
3) How much does the Pinstripe Bowl mean to the Miami players?
This question is nothing new as it's plaguing college football bowl games, and has so for years. This is not a Miami issue, but a broader college football issue. Which UM players want to play and go all-out today?
While many probably believe every game should be considered an honor while wearing a helmet for The U, sometimes players do not have the same intensity as they would if the game was a more highly-anticipated matchup.
This one is the most difficult to answer out of the four questions. Even if a handful of UM players do not come out and play as hard as possible, it could greatly impact the outcome.
4) Which Miami players step up and make a name for themselves?
Bowl games sometimes have heroes that few people expect. For Miami, that could be a new starting offensive lineman like Matthew McCoy or a safety like Jaden Harris. Each will likely start or at least see playing time. There could be several others as well. It's a new trend.
In today's era of college football, new players coming to the forefront make bowl games fun in a different way than they used to. One of them could end up being a hero, too.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.