Cotton Bowl Classic: Miami vs. Ohio State Preview
Miami and Ohio State are no strangers to high-stakes matchups. They’re set to clash in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State, holding the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff with a record of 12-1, is looking to defend its title after securing a bye in the first round.
On the other hand, Miami, the No. 10 seed with a 10-2 record, advanced past the first round through a tough defensive performance against No. 7 Texas A&M, winning the game 10-3.
The Hurricanes showcased a relentless defense, recording nine sacks, with Reuben Bain Jr. leading the charge with three sacks and four tackles for loss. Keonte Scott also had an impressive performance, tallying ten tackles, including two sacks. Quarterback Carson Beck contributed to the win with a steady performance, completing 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Malachi Toney on a crucial 11-yard pass late in the game to secure the lead.
This win marked Miami’s first in the College Football Playoff. In contrast, Ohio State experienced a setback, losing 13-10 to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Although they’re fresh off a bye, their journey to the playoff championship is taking a different route this year compared to last.
Historical context shows that Ohio State has changed significantly compared to last year. As a No. 6 seed, they notched a dominant 42-17 win against Tennessee in the previous season’s playoffs. Now, with a bye and a prior defeat, the Buckeyes face a different challenge.
Defensively, Ohio State remains among the best in the nation, allowing the fewest touchdowns (10) and the least yards per game (213.5). Star players like safety Caleb Downs and linebackers Arbel Reese and Sonny Stiles, all potential first-round NFL Draft picks, lead the squad.
Offensively, they boast what might be the top receiving duo in the country: Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Smith has shone with 80 receptions, 1,086 yards, and 11 touchdowns, while Tate adds another layer with 48 catches for 838 yards and nine touchdowns. It’s worth noting that Ohio State is adjusting to life without former quarterback Will Howard, leaving Julian Sain at the helm. He’s shown remarkable efficiency this season, completing 78% of his passes with 3,323 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
As they prepare for this encounter, the Buckeyes are hoping that their playoff know-how translates into success against Miami. This matchup marks the sixth meeting between these two teams, the most memorable being the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State triumphed over Miami 31-21 in double overtime to claim the national championship. Historically, Ohio State holds a 3-2 edge over Miami, but due to a rescinded victory in 2010, the series stands at 2-2.
