The Miami Hurricanes are about to make their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoffs (CFP) quarterfinals. They’ll be facing the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
After a gritty 10-3 win over the Texas A&M Aggies, Miami’s confidence is running high. This isn’t just another game—it’s a milestone for the Hurricanes as they step into the CFP spotlight for the first time.
So, what’s the deal with this matchup? Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect and how to tune in.
Game Day Details
The Hurricanes and Buckeyes will meet on December 31st in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. This one’s shaping up to be a real showdown between two storied programs.
Kickoff Time and Viewing Options
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM Eastern Time. You can catch it live on ESPN.
If you’re more of a streamer, it’s also on ESPN+. SlingTV has day, week, and weekend passes too, so you don’t have to mess with cable if you don’t want to.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Ohio State is favored by 9.5 points. The over/under sits at 42.5.
That’s a nod to the Buckeyes’ strong season and their reputation as one of the country’s most loaded teams.
What the Odds Mean
The -9.5 spread basically means Ohio State is expected to win by at least 10 points. The over/under at 42.5 hints at a lower-scoring game, maybe because both defenses have been pretty tough this year.
Historical Context
This isn’t just a quarterfinal—it’s another chapter in a rivalry with some real history. Miami and Ohio State have tangled plenty of times before, and there’s no shortage of drama between them.
Previous Meetings
They’ve met on some big stages. The most famous? Probably the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State pulled off a controversial double-overtime win for the national title.
Miami’s Road to the CFP
Miami’s journey to the CFP has been wild. They’ve shown a lot of grit, especially in that hard-fought 10-3 win over Texas A&M to punch their ticket to the Cotton Bowl.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has been the steady hand Miami needed. On defense, Jaelan Phillips has been a force, making life tough for opposing offenses all season.
Ohio State’s Dominance
The Buckeyes have been a college football powerhouse for years. This season? More of the same, with a stacked roster and plenty of dominant performances.
Star Players
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Chris Olave headline Ohio State’s attack. Stroud’s accuracy and Olave’s knack for big plays could give Miami’s defense headaches.
The Stakes
This game means everything for both teams. For Miami, it’s a shot to prove they belong with the elite. For Ohio State, it’s about keeping their legacy alive and pushing deeper into the CFP.
What’s at Risk
Winner moves on to the CFP semifinals—one step closer to a national championship. Both teams know what’s on the line, and you can bet they’ll leave it all out there.
How to Watch
Don’t miss a moment of this historic game. Tune in on December 31st at 7:30 PM Eastern on ESPN or stream it on ESPN+.
Need more details? Check out State of the U for everything you need to know.
Get ready for an unforgettable showdown. The Miami Hurricanes are facing off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
This isn’t just another game. It’s a shot at history for Miami and a chance for Ohio State to flex their muscles again.
Honestly, who isn’t counting down the minutes at this point?
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