Miami Shocks Ohio State in Cotton Bowl to Reach CFP Semifinals
So, let’s talk about what just happened in the Cotton Bowl, because this was one of those College Football Playoff games that people are going to remember for a long time. On Wednesday night, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes pulled off a huge moment, holding off a late push from No. 2 Ohio State and coming away with a 24–14 win. With that result, Miami punched its ticket to the CFP semifinals and officially ended Ohio State’s hopes of another national title run.
From the very beginning, it was clear Miami came in fearless. A fast start was put together in the first half, and before Ohio State could really settle in, the Hurricanes were already up by two touchdowns. That early cushion mattered, because even though the Buckeyes eventually woke up and started moving the ball, Miami never completely lost control of the game.
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Carson Beck was steady at quarterback for Miami. He wasn’t flashy, but the job was done efficiently. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, and his ability to move just enough with his legs kept drives alive. The real backbone of Miami’s offense, though, was the running game. Mark Fletcher Jr. consistently churned out tough yards, finishing with 90 yards on 19 carries, while CharMar Brown delivered the defining moment late. His fourth-quarter touchdown, scored with under a minute left, was the play that finally shut the door on Ohio State.
On the other side, Ohio State showed flashes of why it was considered a favorite. Julian Sayin threw for 287 yards and a touchdown, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was nearly unstoppable at times, piling up 157 yards and a score. But the mistakes added up. Two interceptions were thrown, and relentless pressure from Miami led to Sayin being sacked five times, more than he had been all regular season combined. One final interception on Ohio State’s last drive sealed their fate.
There was a brief moment early in the fourth quarter when it felt like momentum might swing. Ohio State cut the deficit to 17–14, and a comeback seemed possible. But Miami stayed composed, leaned on the run, and forced the Buckeyes into risky decisions. A late interception and Brown’s touchdown ended any remaining hope.
Now, Miami moves on to face the winner of Georgia and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals on January 8. What was once seen as a questionable playoff inclusion has turned into a statement run. For Ohio State, it’s a tough ending, defined by missed chances and pressure that couldn’t be handled when it mattered most.
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