Miami Upsets Defending Champion Ohio State 24-14 in CFP Quarterfinals

In an unexpected turn of events, the Miami Hurricanes played a fierce game against the defending national champions, Ohio State, winning 24-14 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals held at the Cotton Bowl. Keionte Scott made headlines with a stunning 72-yard interception return for a touchdown, marking a pivotal moment in the match and contributing to Miami’s first playoff victory.

Game Highlights

Scott’s interception off a Heisman Trophy finalist, Julian Sayin, energized the Hurricanes early in the game. This 72-yard return came just after Carson Beck connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. for a nine-yard TD, giving Miami a strong start and a 14-0 lead.

Key Player Performances

• Keionte Scott: Returned an interception for a 72-yard touchdown.
• Carson Beck: Completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.
• Mark Fletcher Jr.: Scored a touchdown and rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries.
• Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): Caught a touchdown pass and had seven receptions for 157 yards.

Miami’s quarterback, Beck, praised the team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to respond to challenges throughout the game. He highlighted that the Hurricanes had prepared rigorously for the playoff, focusing on winning crucial early quarters.

Historical Context

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Hurricanes, who are now 12-2 and ranked as the CFP No. 10 seed. They have advanced to the CFP semifinals and will next face either No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8.

Miami last claimed a national title in 2001 and aims to return to glory. Coach Mario Cristobal, a former Miami standout, expressed his commitment to building opportunities for his players to reach their fullest potential.

Implications for Ohio State

Ohio State, ranked No. 2 in the CFP, faced a significant setback with this loss. Having entered the game as nine-and-a-half-point favorites, their hopes of consecutive national titles have been dashed, marking a historic moment for the program.

In their last outing, Ohio State suffered a narrow 13-10 defeat against Indiana in the Big Ten championship on December 6. Coach Ryan Day reflected on the team’s preparation and expressed disappointment in not securing the expected victory.

Next Steps for Miami

With their eyes set on the national championship, Miami’s journey continues. The next game against a formidable opponent in the semifinals will determine if they can reclaim their place at the top of college football.