Another head-scratching performance against Miami would send a signal that changes in personnel and/or approach are necessary because the quality of the offense’s performance has remained static all season and it hasn’t been good enough. Or it could signal UW simply needs better quarterback play than it got this season.

Whatever the reason, UW’s offense hasn’t worked. A month of bowl prep and a switch at quarterback could change that, but UW will face a tall task against a fast, attacking Miami defense that ranks in the top 15 nationally in most statistical categories and is especially tough on opposing passing games.

“It’s a really good defense that we’re going up against, but to be able to attack them in a number of different ways, that’s going to be a challenge,” coach Paul Chryst said. “It’s playing good football and giving ourselves a chance to win. There’s times when we’ve done that and it’s been good. And there’s times where we’ve made it hard, whether it’s turnovers or penalties or just (not making) timely (plays). There’s a point in every game where you’ve got to step up and make a play. That’s what you hope to prepare them for and then they’ve got to go out and do it.”