College Football Playoff 2026: Bracket & Projections

Miami Hurricanes Advance to College Football Playoff Semifinal After Upset Victory Over Ohio State

Miami is poised for a championship run after a stunning 24-14 victory over No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday, securing their place in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. The No. 10 Hurricanes will now face either No. 3 georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup.

Why Did Miami Win? A Defensive Battle Turns into a Miami Triumph

The Miami Hurricanes advanced to the College Football Playoff Semifinal due to a dominant defensive performance and timely offensive execution. The game, played in Dallas, began as a defensive struggle, but Miami capitalized on key turnovers and a strong running game to control the clock and limit Ohio State’s opportunities. Their ability to pressure Ohio State’s quarterback and force mistakes proved crucial.

Did you know? – This is Miami’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff as it’s inception in 2014. The Hurricanes previously won five national championships, but none as 2001.

Who Were the Key Players?

Several players stood out for Miami. Quarterback Carson Beck efficiently managed the offense, completing key passes when needed, including a crucial touchdown late in the game. Running back Mark Fletcher contributed significantly to the ground attack, consistently gaining yards and scoring a touchdown.Defensively, the Hurricanes were led by a stellar performance from safety Kam Kinchens, who intercepted a pass and set the tone for the defense. For Ohio State, quarterback Julian Sayin showed flashes of potential but ultimately struggled against Miami’s relentless pressure.

What Happened During the Game?

The game unfolded as a tale of two halves.The Hurricanes quickly seized control in the second quarter, scoring two rapid touchdowns to establish a 14-0 lead. A strong opening drive and a crucial pick-six shifted the momentum decisively in Miami’s favor. After a sluggish first half for the Buckeyes, they managed to get on the scoreboard early in the third quarter. Miami responded, extending their advantage to 10 points later in the period. Ohio State fought back, with Julian Sayin connecting with jeremiah Smith for a touchdown early in the fourth, narrowing the gap.

Pro tip – Controlling the clock is vital in playoff games. Miami’s effective running game and ability to convert first downs helped them keep Ohio State’s offense off the field.

How Did the Game End? Late-Game Execution seals the Victory

Despite several empty possessions from both teams, Miami demonstrated composure in the final five minutes. A methodical drive, capped off by a touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Mark Fletcher, effectively sealed the win. An interception on Ohio State’s subsequent drive, secured by cornerback Jaden Davis, confirmed the hurricanes’ triumph with a final score of 24-14.The Buckeyes were unable to mount a late comeback, and miami celebrated a significant upset victory.

Semifinal Opponent Awaits

Miami will discover their semifinal opponent on Thursday evening. Nonetheless of whether they face the Bulldogs or the Rebels, a formidable challenge awaits. Georgia has been on a remarkable winning streak, claiming nine consecutive victories, including a dominant performance over Alabama in the SEC Championship. Ole Miss, meanwhile, is riding high on momentum after a decisive first-round rout of Tulane, and is fueled by a desire to succeed following the departure of former head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.

Here’s a look at the updated College Football Playoff bracket:

• No. 9 alabama Def. No. 88 Olah, 34-2
• No. 10 Miami def. No. 7 Texas A&M, 10-7
• No. 6 Ole Miss def. No. 11 Tulane, 41-10
• No. 5 Oregon def.No. 12 James Madison, 51-34
• No. 10 Miami def. No. 2 Ohio State,24-1