West Virginia Mountaineers

Miami Hurricanes-West Virginia in Russell Ath Bowl Dec 28

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Miami Hurricanes will travel to Orlando for the third time in eight postseasons to play number 14 West Virginia (10-2) in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

This will be the 20th meeting between the Hurricanes and Mountaineers, their first in a Bowl Game. This will be Miami ‘s 38th Bowl appearance. The Hurricanes have an 18-19 record in Bowl games. They currently have a six game bowl losing streak. The Hurricanes have not won a bowl game since they defeated Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl in 2006 in Boise.

This will be Miami’s fifth appearance in the Russell Athletic Bowl. The game began in 1990 at what is now Miami’s home field, Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes are 2-0 playing in the game in Miami and 0-2 in Orlando. The game has been played under six sponsors. The Hurricanes won the 1998 game, the only year the game was known as the Mircon PC Bowl. Micron PC was the Original name of MPC Computers.

Miami and West Virginia’s last 13 meetings came as members of the Big East. The Hurricanes lead the all-time series 16-3 and had an 11-2 record against the Mountaineers in the Big East.

West Virginia had its best regular season in Dana Holgersen’s six seasons and its best since his first year in 2011 when they went 10-3 and won the Orange Bowl. Holgersen is 46-30 his six years leading West Virginia.

The Mountaineers only losses this season were to Big XII champion Oklahoma and to Oklahoma State, whom tied with WVU for second in the conference.

West Virginia has good balance offensively. They are led by Quarterback Skylar Howard who has thrown for 3,194 yards, 26 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Running back Justin Crawford ran for 1,168 yards and Howard had a pair of receivers go over 800 yards this season.

Cornerback Rasul Douglas leads the Mountaineers defense. He is the national co-leader with Florida State’s Tarvarus McFadden with eight interceptions this season. He will present a challenge for Stacy Coley and/or Ahmmon Richards.

Miami’s offense should have success against West Virginia’s defense. The Mountaineers allow 32.6 points per game, 44th nationally. They also give up 431.2 yards per game, 78 in FBS.

Russell Athletic Bowl

December 28, 5:30

Orlando Citrus Bowl

Miami Four Appearances: 2-2

Vs. West Virginia

All-Time Series: Miami Leads 16-3

Last Meeting: Miami Won 22-20 in 2003