The Miami Hurricanes upset the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes with a stunning 24-14 victory in the CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl Classic. This monumental Miami Hurricanes upset marks a significant moment for the program, achieving their biggest win in two decades and propelling them into the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Miami Hurricanes upset has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, signifying a major shift in power. This is a trending news story.
Miami Hurricanes Upset Dominates Ohio State Buckeyes
Miami’s defense set the tone early in this incredible Miami Hurricanes upset, holding Ohio State scoreless in the first half. The Hurricanes defense was dominant, consistently pressuring Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin was sacked five times during the game, a testament to Miami’s relentless pass rush. He also threw two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by defensive back Keionte Scott. This 72-yard pick-six gave Miami a commanding 14-0 lead and stands as the second-longest interception return for a touchdown in CFP history. The Hurricanes’ defensive line, led by Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr., was a constant force, consistently disrupting Ohio State’s offense. The defensive performance was crucial to securing the Miami Hurricanes upset, as they limited Ohio State to a mere 45 rushing yards.
Offensive Contributions in the Miami Hurricanes Upset
Miami’s offense also delivered crucial plays to secure the Miami Hurricanes upset. Quarterback Carson Beck managed the game effectively, completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown. Beck also contributed 23 rushing yards to the effort. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was a workhorse, carrying the ball 19 times for 90 yards and adding a touchdown reception from nine yards out, which opened the scoring for Miami. CharMar Brown sealed the victory late in the game for the Miami Hurricanes upset, scoring on a five-yard run with just 55 seconds remaining to put Miami up by ten points.
Ohio State Buckeyes Loss: Second Half Rally Falls Short
Ohio State fought back in the second half, attempting to overcome the deficit created by the Miami Hurricanes upset. The Buckeyes, who entered the game as favorites after a perfect regular season, scored 14 points after halftime. Quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 14-yard touchdown catch, cutting Miami’s lead to 17-14. Ohio State’s offense showed flashes of its potential, but they struggled to sustain drives and were hampered by penalties. Ultimately, Miami’s defense made the crucial stops needed to preserve their lead and seal the Miami Hurricanes upset. Safety Jakobe Thomas sealed the game with a late interception of Sayin’s pass.
Implications of the Miami Hurricanes Upset
This Miami Hurricanes upset has significant implications for the College Football Playoff. Miami achieved its 12th win of the season, marking their first 12-win season since 2002 and propelling them into the CFP semifinals. The Hurricanes earned an at-large berth and will now face either Georgia or Ole Miss. This Miami Hurricanes upset victory validates their resume and showcases their resilience. Coach Mario Cristobal, a former Miami player, has built a tough team with the ultimate goal of bringing a national title back to Miami, a feat not achieved since 2001.
Ohio State Buckeyes Loss Caps Disappointing Season
For Ohio State, this Miami Hurricanes upset loss ended their bid for a national championship and caps a disappointing finish to their season, which also included a loss in the Big Ten Championship game. This game was a tough test for the Buckeyes, with their offensive line struggling against Miami’s pressure and quarterback Sayin facing constant disruption. Despite Sayin throwing for 287 yards and two interceptions, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith having a standout game with seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Miami Hurricanes upset. Coach Ryan Day took responsibility for the Ohio State Buckeyes loss, stating the team “didn’t get it done.”
Thrilling Cotton Bowl Classic and Future Outlook
The Cotton Bowl Classic was a thrilling event, showcasing Miami’s defensive prowess and strong running game in their historic Miami Hurricanes upset. The Hurricanes proved they can compete with the best teams in college football, and this victory is a significant milestone. The Miami Hurricanes upset generates exciting trending news for Miami as their journey continues in the playoffs. The team’s belief and execution led to this Miami Hurricanes upset, a major news story for college football.
