Orange Bowl 2017: Wisconsin Defeats Miami 34-24

MIAMI, FL — The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 34-24 to win the 2017 Orange Bowl. The Badgers dominated the time of possession by 37 minutes to just 20 minutes for Miami. It was the first appearance for the Hurricanes in an Orange Bowl since the 2003 season and the first appearance ever by the Badgers.

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook was named most valuable player with four touchdowns on the night.

"Our team has a lot of confidence. The thing they did best was be in each moment and make the most of those moments," said Wisconsin Head Coach Paul Chryst. "I'm proud of this team and they can call themselves Orange Bowl champions. That's pretty big."

Miami Hurricanes Running back Travis Homer carried the ball from the red zone to score the first touchdown of the 2017 Orange Bowl and moments later the Canes scored again on a 39-yard run by running back DeeJay Dallas. The scores gave the Hurricanes a 14-3 lead against the Wisconsin Badgers at the end of the first quarter. But the Badgers answered early in the second quarter with a touchdown of their own to cut the lead to 4.

Then, still in the second quarter, Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook faked a handoff and found wide receiver A.J. Taylor by the end zone to put Wisconsin back on top 17-14.

Miami Head Coach Mark Richt was called for unsportsmanlike conduct prior to the end of the half, giving the Badgers another scoring opportunity.

With seconds left to play in the half, Hornibrook threw over two Miami defenders to find wide receiver Danny Davis, III and put the Badgers ahead 24-14.

As he was heading off the field, Richt was asked about his apparent exchange with officials that led to the call.

"If you watch the tape you'll see," Richt responded and then headed into the tunnel.

In the third quarter Hurricanes quarterback Malik Rosier fired his third touchdown pass of the game from inside his own 40-yard line to a wide open Lawrence Cager. Rosier broke Vinny Testaverde's 1986 school record for total touchdowns and brought the Canes to within three at 24-21.

Wisconsin's Rafael Gaglianone drove a 47-yard field goal to bring the lead back up to 27-21. He hit a 35-yard field goal early in the game.

With 11:37 left to play in the game Michael Badgley of the Canes answered with a 41-yard field goal to bring his team again within three at 27-24 after missing at 53 yards out earlier in the game.

The Badgers expanded their lead to 10 with another touchdown pass to freshman Davis to go up 34-24 with 7:45 minutes to play.

But Badgley, who had hit more field goals than any other Miami Hurricane in history, hit the upright on a must-have 23-yard field goal with 4:38 left to play.

The final disappointment came with an interception on Rosier with just 1:20 left to play. The ball popped into the air after being intended for Homer.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott lost a friendly wager with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and will have to pay up with Miami croquetas from the Magic City's Vicky Bakery. Walker wagered an assortment of Wisconsin-made products including beer, cheese, cranberries, and HARIBO Gummi Candy, which will soon be made in Wisconsin.

Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers is awarded the MVP trophy following the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images.