Miami Hurricanes Stun Ohio State in Cotton Bowl Upset, Secure Historic CFP Semifinal Berth

In a monumental upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world, the Miami Hurricanes delivered a stunning 24-14 victory over the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday night. This historic win not only propelled the Hurricanes into the College Football Playoff semifinals but also cemented their place as the first double-digit seed ever to reach this elite stage.

Hurricanes Silence Doubters with Dominant Performance

Just weeks ago, debates raged over Miami's rightful place in the CFP conversation. Tonight, they emphatically answered their critics. The Hurricanes showcased a relentless defense, a clutch offense, and an unyielding spirit that proved too much for the heavily favored Buckeyes.

The thrilling quarterfinal clash, played on December 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, was a testament to Miami's grit. From the opening whistle, both teams traded punishing blows, but it was Miami who struck first and last, proving their mettle against a powerhouse opponent.

Early Blitz and Defensive Masterclass

Miami ignited the scoreboard in the second quarter. Quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated a brilliant play-action fake, finding running back Mark Fletcher Jr. for a short pass. Fletcher Jr. then exploded downfield for a touchdown, putting the Hurricanes up 7-0. The momentum quickly swung further in Miami's favor when defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and returned it for another touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. The Buckeyes' struggles continued as they missed a crucial field goal attempt before halftime, leaving Miami with a commanding lead heading into the locker room.

Ohio State's Resurgence and Miami's Resilience

The defending champions refused to go down without a fight. Ohio State's Julian Sayin led an impressive 11-play, 82-yard drive to open the third quarter, culminating in a touchdown run by Bo Jackson. The Buckeyes further narrowed the gap when Sayin connected with star receiver Jeremiah Smith for another score, bringing the deficit to just three points after a Miami field goal.

However, Miami's resolve was unbreakable. Faced with mounting pressure, the Hurricanes' offense, spearheaded by a dynamic duo of Beck and his backfield, dug deep. On a pivotal late-game drive, Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown churned out crucial yards, keeping the chains moving. Beck then found wide receiver C.J. Daniels for a vital first down with less than two minutes remaining, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Clutch Plays Seal the Deal for the Hurricanes

With just 55 seconds left on the clock, CharMar Brown delivered the decisive blow, scoring a touchdown that pushed Miami's lead to 24-14. Ohio State's final desperate attempt to mount a comeback was thwarted when Sayin threw a game-sealing interception, igniting celebrations for the Hurricanes and sending them to the next round of the College Football Playoff.

Key Player Performances: Beck's Dual Threat, Sayin's Struggles

Carson Beck was instrumental in Miami's victory, showcasing his versatility as both a passer and a runner. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, but it was his ability to escape pressure and gain crucial yards with his legs (23 rushing yards) that truly kept Ohio State's defense off balance. Mark Fletcher Jr., despite an early turnover, was a workhorse, rushing for 90 yards on 19 carries and scoring the opening touchdown. CharMar Brown's late-game carries and touchdown proved to be the ultimate difference-maker.

For Ohio State, Julian Sayin faced immense pressure throughout the game, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times. The Buckeyes' vaunted offense, which had not allowed more than 20 points in a game since their national championship win in January, struggled to find a consistent rhythm against Miami's tenacious defense.

What's Next for Miami?

The Miami Hurricanes now advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face the winner of the highly anticipated Georgia-Ole Miss matchup. This remarkable journey marks a new chapter for Miami football, proving that with heart and determination, anything is possible on the grand stage of college football.

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