Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a thrilling upset, the Miami Hurricanes took down the reigning national champions, Ohio State Buckeyes, with a final score of 24-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal held at the Cotton Bowl. The pivotal moment came when Miami’s Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, racing 72 yards without any defenders in sight for a touchdown.

Scott’s electrifying return propelled Miami to a 14-0 lead early in the match, stirring excitement among the team and supporters alike. This marked the second time this season that Scott returned an interception for six points, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills and knack for making game-changing plays.

Quarterback Carson Beck also made significant contributions, completing 19 out of 26 throws for 138 yards and connecting with Mark Fletcher Jr. for a touchdown pass. Fletcher earned the game's offensive MVP award, rushing for 90 yards on 19 carries. Beck’s remarkable streak of 13 consecutive completions set a new Cotton Bowl record, highlighting the efficiency of Miami’s offense.

Seeded 10th in the CFP with a strong 12-2 record, Miami has now secured victory in six straight contests since a close overtime loss to SMU. After entering the playoffs as an at-large team, the Hurricanes are set to compete in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, facing either No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss, who will go head-to-head in the Sugar Bowl.

This victory is a pivotal milestone for the Hurricanes as they aim for a national championship, the first since 2001, when Mario Cristobal, their current head coach, was an athlete for the team. In his fourth season as head coach, Cristobal stressed that their achievements hinge on teamwork and legacy rather than individual success.

Ohio State, ranked third and seeded second in the playoffs, came into the game favored by 9.5 points but found it challenging to manage Miami’s diverse offense. Freshman quarterback Sayin tallied 287 passing yards but faced two interceptions and was sacked five times. The Buckeyes managed only 14 points, their lowest score for the season.

Miami's formidable defense caused multiple key turnovers and restricted Ohio State from scoring consistently. Notably, safety Caleb Downs set a record by forcing two fumbles within a single CFP game, showcasing the Buckeyes’ defensive efforts despite the loss.

With this impressive win, Miami is making a mark on the national scene, determined to clinch a title at home and put an end to a two-decade championship drought.

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