Underdog Triumphs: Miami's Path to Glory in the College Football Playoff
Decisive Quarterfinal Showdown: Miami's Victory Over Ohio State
In a thrilling encounter at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, the tenth-ranked Miami Hurricanes delivered a significant upset, defeating the second-ranked and defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes with a final score of 24-14. Quarterback Carson Beck was instrumental for Miami, contributing 138 passing yards and a touchdown, guiding his team to this pivotal College Football Playoff quarterfinal win.
Journey to the Semifinals: Miami's Next Challenge
Following their impressive triumph, the Miami Hurricanes, now with a 12-2 record, are set to compete in a CFP semifinal. Their next opponent will be either the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) or the sixth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels (12-1). This crucial semifinal match will take place on January 8th at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, while Georgia and Ole Miss are scheduled to face off in the Sugar Bowl.
Unforeseen Trends in the CFP: The Bye-Week Curse
A notable pattern has emerged in the two years since the College Football Playoff expanded to a 12-team format: all five teams that received first-round byes have unexpectedly been eliminated from the competition. This statistic adds another layer of intrigue to Miami's victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the current playoff structure.
First Half Domination: Hurricanes Establish Early Lead
The Hurricanes initiated their surprising performance by establishing a commanding 14-0 lead by halftime, leaving the Buckeyes stunned. Key plays included a 9-yard touchdown reception by Mark Fletcher Jr. and a spectacular 72-yard pick-six returned by Keionte Scott. Fletcher also demonstrated his versatility, adding 90 rushing yards to Miami's offensive effort.
Early Game Control: Miami's Strong Opening Quarter
Although neither team managed to score in the first quarter, Miami displayed early dominance. The Hurricanes accumulated 110 total yards—56 rushing and 54 passing—in stark contrast to Ohio State's meager 9 total yards, which included a negative yardage in rushing. This early control set the tone for Miami's eventual victory.
Breaking the Deadlock: Miami's Initial Scoring Drives
Miami finally converted their pressure into points early in the second quarter. They orchestrated an impressive 83-yard drive that spanned 13 plays and consumed 8 minutes and 4 seconds, culminating in Mark Fletcher Jr.'s touchdown catch that put them up 7-0. This sustained offensive sequence underscored their methodical approach.
Defensive Brilliance: Scott's Game-Changing Interception
Shortly after Miami's first touchdown, Keionte Scott showcased exceptional defensive awareness. He perfectly anticipated a screen pass, intercepting it and returning it for a 72-yard touchdown, effectively doubling Miami's lead to 14-0. This pick-six was a pivotal moment, shifting momentum firmly in the Hurricanes' favor.
Buckeyes' Brief Resurgence and Miami's Response
Ohio State managed to cut into Miami's lead midway through the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Bo Jackson, following an 11-play, 82-yard drive, bringing the score to 14-7. However, Miami quickly responded, with Carter Davis successfully kicking a 49-yard field goal, extending their advantage to 17-7 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.
Sealing the Victory: Miami's Final Touchdown
The Buckeyes attempted another comeback when Julian Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 14-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 17-14 with 13:28 remaining. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes quashed any hopes of an Ohio State rally by marching 70 yards downfield, concluding with CharMar Brown's 5-yard rushing touchdown with only 55 seconds left, securing the 24-14 win.
Statistical Highlights: Key Player Performances
Julian Sayin completed 22 of his 35 pass attempts for 287 yards and one touchdown, though he also threw two interceptions. Jeremiah Smith was a significant target for the Buckeyes, hauling in seven receptions for an impressive 157 yards. These individual performances highlighted the competitive nature of the high-stakes playoff game.