Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a remarkable upset, the Miami Hurricanes triumphed over the Ohio State Buckeyes, the defending national champions, with a score of 24-14 during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. The pivotal moment came when Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Heisman contender Julian Sayin, returning it 72 yards for a decisive touchdown.
Scott's electrifying touchdown put Miami up 14-0 early, igniting both the players and their fans. This marked his second interception return for a touchdown this season, amplifying his reputation for making pivotal defensive plays.
Quarterback Carson Beck contributed significantly, completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards. He also threw a touchdown pass to Mark Fletcher Jr., who claimed the offensive MVP title after rushing for 90 yards on 19 carries. Beck set a new Cotton Bowl record with 13 consecutive completions, illustrating Miami’s offensive efficiency.
As the 10th seed in the CFP with a record of 12-2, Miami has secured six consecutive victories following a narrow overtime loss to SMU. The Hurricanes, who entered the playoffs as an at-large team, will now head to the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, where they will face either No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss.
This victory is a crucial step toward the Hurricanes' quest for a national title, their first since 2001—when current head coach Mario Cristobal was a player. Cristobal, now in his fourth season as head coach, stated that the team’s success hinges on unity and legacy rather than individual recognition.
Despite entering as a 9.5-point favorite, Ohio State, ranked third and seeded second in the playoff, faced significant challenges against Miami’s well-rounded offense. Freshman quarterback Sayin threw for 287 yards but suffered two interceptions and was sacked five times. The Buckeyes managed only 14 points—marking their lowest score this season.
Miami’s defense played a key role by forcing critical turnovers and stifling the Buckeyes' offense at crucial times. Safety Caleb Downs made history by forcing two fumbles in one CFP game, showcasing the resilience of Ohio State’s defense despite the unfavorable outcome.
With this win, Miami continues its impressive resurgence, aiming to seize a national title on its home soil and end a 20-year title drought.
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