In an electrifying showdown at the Cotton Bowl, the Miami Hurricanes pulled off a stunning 24-14 upset over the Ohio State Buckeyes. They secured their spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The game was a rollercoaster—pivotal plays, wild swings, and a handful of unforgettable moments. Keionte Scott’s game-changing interception and Mark Fletcher Jr.’s redemption arc stood out.
The Hurricanes showed grit and tactical smarts. Let’s dig into what made this quarterfinal so memorable.
Key Moments that Defined the Game
Both teams opened with three-and-outs, hinting at a defensive slugfest. Miami found its groove on the next drive.
Mark Fletcher Jr. fumbled in the red zone, but the Hurricanes didn’t let it rattle them. Fletcher bounced back, hauling in a short pass from Carson Beck for the game’s first touchdown.
Keionte Scott’s Game-Changing Interception
Ohio State’s first red zone trip looked promising. Then Keionte Scott stepped in.
He read Julian Sayin perfectly, picking off the nation’s most accurate passer. Scott sprinted 72 yards untouched for a touchdown—Miami went up two scores, and the energy totally shifted.
Key Highlights:
- Scott’s interception return for a touchdown
- Miami’s defense dominating the first half
- Ohio State’s missed field goal at the end of the first half
Miami’s Defensive Masterclass
Miami’s defense was relentless in the first half. Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. combined for 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Julian Sayin never looked comfortable—pressure was constant. The Buckeyes finished the half scoreless, and honestly, it felt like Miami was everywhere at once.
Corey Hetherman’s Defensive Strategy
Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman had a plan that worked. Miami’s defense looked sharp, capitalizing on film study and quick reads.
Hetherman gave credit to his guys for executing, and it showed. That first half was a clinic.
Defensive Standouts:
- Akheem Mesidor: 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks
- Rueben Bain Jr.: Key sack in the red zone
- Keionte Scott: 72-yard interception return for a touchdown
Ohio State’s Second-Half Surge
The Buckeyes weren’t done. They came out swinging after halftime.
Running back Bo Jackson capped an 82-yard drive with their first touchdown. Suddenly, Ohio State’s offense found some life.
Jeremiah Smith’s Impact
Jeremiah Smith, a former South Florida star, was a bright spot for Ohio State. He finished with seven catches for 157 yards.
He snagged a 14-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Smith’s effort was big, but the gap was just too wide.
Ohio State’s Second-Half Highlights:
- Bo Jackson’s touchdown run
- Jeremiah Smith’s 14-yard touchdown catch
- Improved offensive execution
Miami’s Offensive Resilience
Even as Ohio State made a push, Miami’s offense held firm. Kicker Carter Davis, after a rough previous game, drilled a 49-yard field goal to pad the lead.
Marty Brown chipped in with clutch first downs and a late touchdown to put things out of reach. Miami just wouldn’t let up.
Mark Fletcher Jr.’s Redemption
Mark Fletcher Jr. had a moment—after fumbling in the red zone, he didn’t hang his head. He scored the game’s first touchdown and finished with 90 rushing yards on 19 carries.
It’s hard not to root for a guy who bounces back like that. Fletcher’s story added heart to the win.
Offensive Highlights:
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: 90 rushing yards, one touchdown
- Carter Davis: 49-yard field goal
- Marty Brown: Key first downs, late touchdown
Looking Ahead: Miami’s Path to the Championship
With this win, Miami heads to the Fiesta Bowl. They’ll face the winner of Georgia-Ole Miss next.
It’s wild to think how far they’ve come. Coach Mario Cristobal’s vision of bringing Miami back is starting to look real.
Key Takeaways
Miami’s win over Ohio State really showed off their resilience. There was strategy, there were big moments, and a few players just stood out from the crowd.
Keionte Scott’s interception changed the whole vibe of the game. Mark Fletcher Jr. found redemption when it mattered most.
Looking ahead, Miami’s got to keep their defense sharp. If the offense keeps clicking, who knows how far they’ll go?
Want more details? Check out the original article on the Sun Sentinel.
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