The Miami Hurricanes will meet the Ohio State Buckeyes in a pivotal College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Cotton Bowl. This showdown is set for Wednesday at 7:30 PM Eastern Time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN.
Head coaches Mario Cristobal and Ryan Day will lead their teams into this crucial game, with Cristobal holding a record of 33-18 at Miami and 95-78 overall, while Day boasts an impressive 82-11 record at Ohio State. The Buckeyes enter this game as 9.5-point favorites, and the matchup will take place in an indoor stadium, eliminating weather concerns.
Coming off a hard-fought victory against Texas A&M, the Hurricanes demonstrated defensive prowess but struggled offensively. In contrast, Ohio State earned a bye after an undefeated regular season and has been a dominant force throughout the year.
This season marks a significant milestone for Miami, achieving its first playoff appearance and competing in a major bowl for the first time since the 2017 Orange Bowl. Despite the excitement surrounding this event, the Hurricanes must maintain their focus to perform at their best.
Ohio State, with a 12-1 record, only faced defeat this season against Indiana during the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes have maintained a near-constant presence at the top of the polls and playoff rankings.
Key Matchups to Watch
As the game approaches, several key factors will significantly influence the outcome:
- Containing the Receivers: Miami”s defense will need to effectively manage the formidable receiving duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Both players, who provide quarterback Julian Sayin with elite options, are now healthy after battling injuries late in the season. If Miami struggles to limit the Buckeyes” aerial attack, they may find themselves playing from behind.
- Involving Malachi Toney: Malachi Toney, a key player for the Hurricanes, must be reintegrated into the passing strategy. His explosive capabilities were neutralized in Miami”s last game, where he finished with only 22 receiving yards. The Hurricanes need to find ways to get him in open space to enhance their offensive output.
- Offensive Line Performance: Miami”s offensive line will face a tough challenge against Ohio State”s elite defensive talent, specifically edge rusher Caden Curry, who has recorded 11 sacks this season. The Hurricanes managed to contain Texas A&M”s All-American defensive end, Cashius Howell, but facing Kayden McDonald, an All-American defensive tackle known for his run-stopping ability, will test their resilience.
As Miami prepares to take on Ohio State, the stakes are high for both teams. The outcome of this matchup will not only determine who advances in the playoffs but will also shape the future of each program.
