In a stunning turn of events, the Miami Hurricanes shattered expectations and defeated the reigning national champions, Ohio State Buckeyes, in a thrilling CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. But this wasn't just any win—it was a statement victory that sent shockwaves through the college football world.
The game started with a bang as Keionte Scott intercepted a pass from Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. The crowd erupted, and Miami took an early 7-0 lead. And this is just the beginning of the story.
Carson Beck, the quarterback for Miami, connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. for another touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 in the first half. Beck, a former member of the Georgia Bulldogs' championship teams, showcased his experience with a solid performance, completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards. But here's where it gets interesting: Beck set a Cotton Bowl record with seven consecutive completions, a testament to his poise and accuracy.
Ohio State, led by freshman quarterback Sayin, fought back. Sayin, who stepped up in the absence of starter Will Howard, showed flashes of brilliance, completing 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards. But the Buckeyes' efforts were hindered by a strong Miami defense, which sacked Sayin five times and forced two interceptions.
The Hurricanes' defense, a force to be reckoned with, was led by AP All-America receiver Smith, a Miami native who had a standout performance with seven receptions for 157 yards and a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter. And this is the part most people miss—Miami's defense has been a key factor in their recent success, allowing only 14 points, the fewest Ohio State has scored all season.
Miami's journey to the CFP has been remarkable. After an overtime loss to SMU in early November, the Hurricanes went on a six-game winning streak, including a CFP debut victory over Texas A&M. Now, they're one win away from playing for the national championship in their own stadium, a feat that would be historic.
As for Ohio State, they were denied the chance to defend their title and achieve back-to-back championships for the first time. The Buckeyes, who had a first-round bye, couldn't capitalize on their favored status, losing to Miami just like the other four teams that advanced directly to the quarterfinals last season.
Now, Miami awaits its semifinal opponent, either Georgia or Ole Miss, in the Fiesta Bowl. The Hurricanes have a chance to make history, while Ohio State looks to regroup for the 2026 season. Will Miami continue their Cinderella story, or will they face a reality check in the next round? The college football world is buzzing with anticipation, and the CFP semifinals promise to be must-watch events.
