The Miami Hurricanes pulled off a stunning 24-14 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. This was a huge moment for Miami, pushing them one step closer to a national championship.
The game took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Miami’s grit and refusal to back down were on full display, and now they’re rolling into the semifinals with their sights set on their first national title since 2001.
Miami’s Road to Victory
This wasn’t just another game—it was a high-pressure showdown between the No. 10 Hurricanes and the No. 2 Buckeyes. Miami came in as the underdog, but that didn’t seem to bother them.
Keionte Scott’s interception return for a touchdown and Carson Beck’s steady hand at quarterback were just two of the moments that tipped the scales. It felt like Miami just kept finding ways to hang on and make plays when it mattered.
Keionte Scott’s Game-Changing Interception
Keionte Scott made the play of the night, picking off a screen pass from Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. He took it 72 yards to the house.
The Miami sideline went wild. It was Scott’s second pick-six this season, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Carson Beck’s Leadership
Quarterback Carson Beck quietly did his thing, completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. on a 9-yard scoring pass.
Beck’s calm under pressure really helped keep Miami’s offense on track. Sometimes it’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Key Players and Statistics
Several Hurricanes stepped up when the lights were brightest. Here’s a quick look at some of the key stats and standouts:
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: 19 carries, 90 yards, 1 touchdown. Named Offensive MVP.
- Keionte Scott: 1 interception, 72-yard return for a touchdown. Named Defensive MVP.
- Julian Sayin: Ohio State’s QB, 22 of 35 for 287 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Jeremiah Smith: 7 catches, 157 yards, 1 touchdown for Ohio State.
Game Summary and Scoring
This was a tight, physical contest. Both teams had their moments, and the lead swung a couple of times.
First Half
The first quarter? All defense—nobody scored. Miami finally broke through in the second quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Beck to Fletcher Jr.
Not long after, Scott’s pick-six made it 14-0, and Miami was suddenly in control.
Second Half
Ohio State punched back in the third quarter with a short touchdown run by Bo Jackson. Miami answered with a 49-yard field goal from Carter Davis.
Jeremiah Smith made things interesting in the fourth, hauling in a 14-yard touchdown from Sayin to cut it to 17-14. Miami put the game away late, as CharMar Brown powered in for a 5-yard touchdown run.
Statistical Overview
Both teams finished with 18 first downs. But Miami’s defense really clamped down, holding Ohio State to just 45 rushing yards.
Miami ran for 153 yards themselves. They converted 5 of 13 third downs, while Ohio State managed 8 of 15.
Team Statistics
- First Downs: Miami 18, Ohio State 18
- Rushing Yards: Miami 153, Ohio State 45
- Passing Yards: Miami 138, Ohio State 287
- Total Offense: Miami 291, Ohio State 332
- Turnovers: Miami 1, Ohio State 2
Looking Ahead
Next up for Miami: the College Football Playoff semifinals. They’ll face either No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8.
Winning here gets Miami a step closer to another national championship. It’s been a long wait since 2001, hasn’t it?
Coach Mario Cristobal’s Impact
Coach Mario Cristobal deserves a lot of credit for this turnaround. The former Hurricanes lineman has brought some old-school pride back to the program.
His passion for Miami’s history—and his vision for where they’re headed—has really started to pay off.
For a deeper dive and the full game recap, check out the official College Football Playoff website.
Conclusion
The Miami Hurricanes pulled off a gutsy win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. That game really showed off their resilience and skill.
Key players stepped up when it mattered most. Coach Mario Cristobal’s leadership was obvious throughout the match.
Miami looks ready for the semifinals. They’re not just along for the ride—they’re aiming high and making a real statement in college football.
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