10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Miami Hurricanes running back Travis Homer (24) runs the ball during the ACC Championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Clemson Tigers on December 02, 2017 at bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.(Photo by Dannie Walls/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Miami

10-2 (7-1)

Orange Bowl: Hurricanes vs. Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 30

Miami got its swagger back in 2017, and though the Hurricanes stumbled to a 0-2 finish, fans in South Florida are ecstatic with the progress Mark Richt made in his second season as head coach.

Running back Mark Walton has announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft, and the Hurricanes must also replace their top two receivers, as well as two starters on the left side of the offensive line. However, leading rusher Travis Homer, who gained 902 rushing yards (picking up more than 100 yards three times along the way) and scored seven TDs will return, as will a hopefully healthy Ahmmon Richards, who proved to be one of the most talented receivers in the country in 2016 before struggling with injuries this year. Richt and his coaching staff have also done a good job building depth in recruiting.

The Miami defense features only a few seniors in its two-deep depth chart, and as a top-40 unit nationally this season, the Hurricanes could put one of the best defenses in the ACC on the field in 2017. However, roughly half a dozen juniors are currently weighing their NFL options, including multiple defensive linemen – most notably interior linemen Kendrick Norton and Ruchard McIntosh, Jr. – and defensive backs.

A win over Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl would be a big boost to the Canes most obviously because it would help the team avoid a season-ending three-game winning streak. If Richt does a good job recruiting most of his current players back to school for 2018, it would add an even more important energy for the program during the offseason, and as it prepares to open next season with LSU.

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