Miami Shocks Ohio State in Cotton Bowl: A Historic Upset in the College Football Playoff

ARLINGTON, Texas — In a stunning upset, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes surged past the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes with a decisive 24-14 victory in the first round of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night.

Key Highlights of the Game

• Keionte Scott’s Game-Changing Interception: Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, giving Miami a crucial 14-0 lead in the first half.
• Carson Beck’s Solid Performance: Miami quarterback Carson Beck threw a touchdown pass and completed 19 of 26 attempts for 138 yards.
• Offensive MVP Mark Fletcher Jr.: Fletcher not only caught a 9-yard touchdown pass but also rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries, showcasing his versatility.

Miami’s Journey to the Final Four

The Hurricanes (12-2, CFP No. 10 seed) made an impressive playoff run, having entered the competition without playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. With this victory, Miami secures a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face either No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss on January 8.

• Historical Context: The last time Miami claimed a national title was in 2001. Head coach Mario Cristobal, who was part of that championship team, emphasized teamwork in his post-game remarks: “It’s not about me. It’s about all these guys up here, the guys that came before them. This is a joint team effort and a family.”

Buckeye Struggles

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, who entered as 9.5-point favorites, this loss marks a significant disappointment as they were seeking to defend their national title. Ohio State (12-2, CFP No. 2 seed), had not played since December 6, and this defeat represents a missed opportunity to continue their championship pursuit.

• Julian Sayin’s Performance: The freshman quarterback completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards but suffered under pressure, being sacked five times and throwing two interceptions.

In-Game Highlights

• First Half Dominance: Miami’s Scott capitalized on a quick screen pass from Sayin, intercepting the ball to swing momentum in Miami’s favor.
• Record-setting Touchdown Streak: Beck’s 9-yard touchdown to Fletcher was part of a record-setting streak of 13 consecutive completions in the Cotton Bowl’s history.

Statistical Breakdown

• Miami’s Scoring Plays:

  • Touchdowns: Mark Fletcher Jr. (9-yard pass), ChaMar Brown (5-yard run), and Keionte Scott (interception return).
  • Field Goals: Carter Davis scored a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter.

• Ohio State’s Scoring Plays:

  • Touchdown: Jeremiah Smith (14-yard reception).
• Total Yards:
  • Miami: 281 yards
  • Ohio State: 364 yards

What’s Next for Miami?

With this monumental win, Miami is on the cusp of a potential national championship game in their home state. The team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure may just set them on a path to glory.

• Upcoming Semifinal: The Hurricanes will meet the winner of the upcoming matchup between Georgia and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.

For the latest updates on the College Football Playoff, visit NCAA Football.

Conclusion

Miami’s victory over Ohio State signifies a thrilling chapter in the College Football Playoff saga, with the Hurricanes aiming to reclaim their place among elite college football programs. This win not only highlights their growth as a team but also reignites the passion of their loyal fanbase, eager for national glory once more.

Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the playoffs progress!