Miami Hurricanes Gear Up for Cotton Bowl

The Miami Hurricanes are back on the field two weeks after their victory over the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies, where they secured a 10-3 win under challenging windy conditions. Their defense showcased a strong performance, which is crucial for their advance to the next round.

This week, the Hurricanes face a tougher opponent—the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes—in the Cotton Bowl, a significant challenge on the path to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

A notable storyline in this matchup is how Miami quarterback Carson Beck will perform against Ohio State’s Heisman finalist, Julian Sane.

Miami has navigated quite a few hurdles this season, particularly in the early weeks. However, their recent play has been impressive, especially over the last month. Although Beck faced difficulties in the wind at College Station, averaging just 4 yards per attempt and totaling 103 yards, he has shown promise overall.

Beck’s season has been commendable, with 3,175 yards thrown, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while achieving a completion rate of 74.5%, which is a career high. He averages 8.5 yards per attempt, and interestingly, his QBR stands at 13th nationally, at 79.6. Miami’s offensive line deserves credit too; they’ve effectively protected him, resulting in Beck experiencing the lowest pressure rate in college football, getting sacked only 11 times.

On the other side, Ohio State will rely on redshirt freshman Sane, who has had a different experience this season. He has amassed 3,323 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and just six interceptions, completing 78.4% of his passes and averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His QBR is impressive as well, ranking second nationally at 90.1, and he has also faced limited pressure, with only 11 sacks this season leading up to the National Championship Game.

Both quarterbacks are standout players this year, but can Miami claim an edge at the critical quarterback position?

Beck has had a varied role in Shannon Dawson’s offense, which has been both uplifting for Miami and, at times, a source of troubles. Late in the season, he has really hit his stride, averaging 281.3 yards in the final four games, while Miami scored an average of 37.8 points during that stretch. His ability to throw accurately and take care of the football has been crucial.

However, those 10 interceptions he racked up do raise some eyebrows. He threw two against the then-No. 1 team, and there were multiple instances during games against teams like Louisville where his decision-making wavered. It’s a reminder that even the best can have off days.

Looking ahead, Miami’s success may hinge on their run game, particularly behind Mark Fletcher, who played a key role in the victory over Texas A&M. If they can establish a solid ground game, it could open up more opportunities for Beck.

Yet, they’ll need to step up significantly compared to their performance against the Aggies to secure a win.

As for Sane, Ohio State will likely aim to get the ball in and out of his hands quickly. While he’s not often felt pressure, he did encounter some in a tough game against Indiana, where he was sacked five times. If Miami can replicate that kind of pressure, it might lead to a challenging outing for Sane, despite his talent.

Sane has relied on shorter passes this season, allowing his receivers to do much of the heavy lifting. However, against Miami’s formidable pass defense, he may need to push beyond his comfort zone and attempt longer throws.

The run game will be pivotal for both teams, and given their strong defensive capabilities in this area, it could place additional pressure on both quarterbacks. Ultimately, the player who excels under pressure could very well guide their team to the College Football Playoff semifinals.