miami Shocks Ohio State 24-14 in College Football Playoff Upset
Table of Contents
Miami delivered a stunning victory over defending national champion Ohio State with a final score of 24-14 in Wednesday night’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, marking a important upset in the expanded 12-team playoff format. The Hurricanes, seeded No. 10, advance to the CFP semifinal.
Early interception Sets the Tone
Miami jumped ahead early in the frist quarter thanks to a pivotal play by Miami safety Keionte Scott. Scott intercepted a screen pass attempt by Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin and sprinted 72 yards untouched for a touchdown. “I was full of emotions… That was a pretty cool moment,” Scott said, reflecting on the electrifying play. The interception return ignited the Miami sideline and set the tone for a night of unexpected success.
Beck leads Miami Offense,Fletcher Earns MVP Honors
Miami quarterback Carson Beck,a veteran of Georgia’s recent championship runs,efficiently managed the offense,completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a crucial touchdown. That touchdown pass went to running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who also lead the team in rushing with 90 yards and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. Beck highlighted the team’s ability to overcome challenges, stating, “Just the way that this team has responded to adversity… We knew coming into today that it wasn’t going to be easy.” Fletcher’s seven consecutive completions set a new Cotton Bowl record.
A Historic Victory for “The U”
The Hurricanes (12-2) have now won two playoff games, overcoming an at-large berth into the 12-team field and bypassing the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. A single additional win will send them to the national championship game, to be played in their home stadium. This victory carries significant weight for a program steeped in tradition, with its last national title coming in 2001 – their fifth overall. Head coach Mario Cristobal, a former standout offensive tackle for the Hurricanes during their 1989 and 1991 championship seasons, emphasized the team’s collective effort. “It is indeed 100% not about me,” Cristobal stated. “It is my obligation… to provide these guys with even better opportunities.”
Legacy on the Sideline
The victory resonated with Miami football legends. Michael Irvin, a Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and a key member of the Hurricanes’ 1987 national championship team, was visibly ecstatic on the sideline as Scott scored. Fellow Hurricanes legend and Super Bowl-winning coach Jimmy Johnson was also in attendance and acknowledged by Cristobal during the on-field trophy presentation.
Ohio State’s Title Hopes Dashed
For No. 2 seed Ohio State (12-2), the loss marks a historic setback. The Buckeyes, nine-and-a-half-point favorites, are now unable to secure back-to-back national titles for the first time in program history.Their struggles were compounded by a lengthy layoff since a December 6th loss to Indiana in the Big ten championship game. Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged the team’s preparation but conceded, “At the end of the day, we didn’t get it done.” Freshman quarterback Sayin, filling in for Will Howard, completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards but was sacked five times and threw two interceptions.
Looking Ahead to the Fiesta Bowl
Miami’s next challenge comes in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8th, where they will face either No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss, both of whom will compete in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night.The Hurricanes’ improbable run continues, fueled by a blend of veteran leadership, youthful energy, and a renewed sense of belief. The team closed out the game with a late five-yard touchdown run by ChaMar Brown and a 49-yard field goal by Carter Davis, ultimately holding Ohio State to their lowest point total of the season.
