In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Miami just dethroned defending champion Ohio State, crushing their hopes in a 24-14 CFP quarter-final victory! The Hurricanes, a team that many had written off, proved that anything is possible in the playoffs. But here's where it gets controversial... Did Ohio State underestimate their opponent, or did Miami simply bring an unstoppable force to the field?
The defining moment? Keionte Scott's electrifying 72-yard interception return for a touchdown against the seemingly invincible Ohio State. Imagine the scene on the Miami sideline as Scott blazed down the field, untouched, his teammates erupting in jubilation! Even Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin and former Hurricanes coach Jimmy Johnson, both national champions themselves, couldn't contain their excitement. Their presence alone speaks volumes about the legacy and passion surrounding Miami football.
Scott's pick-six came off a screen pass by Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin, and that play, coupled with a touchdown pass from Carson Beck, propelled 10th-ranked Miami to a shocking 24-14 victory over the Buckeyes on Wednesday night at the Cotton Bowl. This marked a historic start to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. "I was full of emotions... That was a pretty cool moment," Scott said, reflecting on his game-changing play. "Just having fun... That’s what this team relies on, man, just going out there playing free and just having fun." This highlights a crucial element: Miami's relaxed yet determined approach.
And this is the part most people miss: Miami’s journey to this point wasn't exactly a walk in the park. The Hurricanes (12-2, CFP No. 10 seed) secured an at-large berth in the 12-team field after failing to even qualify for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game! Despite this, they've now notched two impressive playoff wins and are just one victory away from playing for a national championship in their own stadium. Talk about a Cinderella story!
What awaits Miami next? A CFP semifinal showdown at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8th against either No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss, the SEC powerhouses battling it out in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night. Both Georgia and Ole Miss present formidable challenges, but Miami has already proven they can overcome the odds.
It's been a long time since "The U" reigned supreme – their last national title was back in 2001, their fifth overall. Coach Mario Cristobal, a former standout offensive tackle for the Hurricanes during their 1989 and 1991 championship runs, understands the weight of that history. Remember, Miami was denied a repeat championship in 2002 in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to none other than Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl – the only other time these two teams have met in a bowl game, and the last time Miami played in that prestigious game. The pressure is on to rewrite that narrative.
“It is 100% not about me. I’m part of their team, I’m a part of that family,” Cristobal emphasized. “It is my obligation as a former Miami Hurricane player and all the things that Miami did for my brother and I to do my best to try to provide these guys with even better opportunities so they can fulfill all the great things they are destined for.” Cristobal's deep connection to the program clearly fuels his dedication.
Before Michael Irvin and Jimmy Johnson achieved Super Bowl glory with the Dallas Cowboys, they were integral parts of the Hurricanes' 1987 national championship team. Their presence on the sidelines added another layer of significance to Miami's victory. Irvin's enthusiastic run down the sideline during Scott's touchdown and Johnson's acknowledgment during the trophy presentation served as powerful reminders of the program's rich history and tradition.
On the other side of the field, the loss marks a devastating blow for third-ranked Ohio State (12-2, CFP No. 2 seed), who entered the game as heavy nine-and-a-half-point favorites. Their quest to win back-to-back national titles has been abruptly halted. This immediately raises the question: what went wrong for the Buckeyes?
The Buckeyes hadn’t played since a shocking 13-10 loss to now-No. 1 Indiana in the Big Ten championship game on December 6th. Despite that loss, they still received a first-round bye in the playoffs, only to suffer the same fate as all four teams that received a bye in last year's inaugural 12-team playoff. Is this a sign that the playoff system needs adjustments, or simply a case of top teams getting complacent?
“We worked really hard during the last three weeks leading up to this game to come out of the gates and win the first quarter, win the first half, be ready to go,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said. “I think the guys bought into it. But at the end of the day, we didn’t get it done.” Day's statement suggests a lack of execution, not a lack of preparation.
Scott's interception return followed closely after Beck's quick pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. for a nine-yard touchdown. Beck, who previously tasted national championship glory with Georgia in 2021 and 2022 (backing up Stetson Bennett), completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards. His experience under pressure proved invaluable.
When asked about what stood out to him about these Hurricanes, Beck said, “Just the way that this team has responded to adversity. We knew coming into today that it wasn’t going to be easy.” This resilience is a key ingredient in Miami's success.
Fletcher, who also ran for 90 yards on 19 carries and earned the game's offensive MVP award, was on the receiving end of Beck's touchdown pass. That touchdown throw was part of a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive completions for Beck – a new Cotton Bowl record! Considering this was the 90th edition of the Cotton Bowl, that's quite an achievement.
Sayin, Ohio State's freshman backup quarterback (behind Will Howard for last season's championship run), completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also endured five sacks. Facing relentless pressure, the young quarterback struggled to find consistency.
AP All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith, a Miami native, hauled in seven of those passes for 157 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown on a fourth down in the fourth quarter. Despite the loss, Smith's performance showcased his immense talent and potential.
Carter Davis added a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter, and ChaMar Brown capped off the victory with a five-yard touchdown run in the game's final minute. The Hurricanes' 24 points were the most Ohio State had conceded all season! This underscores the effectiveness of Miami's offensive game plan.
So, what do you think? Was Miami's victory a fluke, or are they a legitimate contender for the national title? Did Ohio State simply have an off night, or did Miami expose their weaknesses? And what impact will this stunning upset have on the rest of the College Football Playoff? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
