As the Hurricanes and Buckeyes settle into Dallas ahead of their marquee postseason clash, the energy around both programs is starting to pick up. Media sessions are underway, and with them come the kind of soundbites and storylines that fuel the buildup to big-time college football. Let’s dive into the key takeaways as we approach kickoff.
1. Jeremiah Smith Opens Up About Miami Recruitment
Jeremiah Smith turned a few heads this week with a candid reflection on his recruitment process. When asked whether Miami ever came close to landing him, the star wide receiver didn’t hesitate.
“Most likely, yeah,” Smith said. “I probably would have ended up going to Miami, yeah. If things was on the right track then and there, but I chose to stick with Ohio State.”
That’s a significant admission, especially coming from a player who’s already made his mark at the national level. Smith’s choice to stick with the Buckeyes has paid off-he’s a national champion and one of the most dynamic young receivers in the game. But his comments also offer a peek into what might’ve been for the Hurricanes had their program been in a stronger place during his recruitment.
Now, it’s not about what could’ve happened. It’s about what happens next.
Miami has a chance to respond-not with words, but with action. If Smith and the Buckeyes are sent home after this one, the “what if” conversation might take on a whole new tone.
2. Shannon Dawson Fires Back at Offensive Critics
Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson didn’t hold back when asked about skepticism surrounding the Hurricanes’ ability to put up enough points in this matchup-especially with Urban Meyer’s recent comments floating around.
“They didn’t win their last game,” Dawson said, referencing Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Indiana. “How many points did they score?
I mean, Indiana won 13-10, and nobody is saying anything about that. That’s just a great win by them, you know?
It’s an unbelievable win by them. We win 10-3, and it’s like, the win sucks.
We really lost. I don’t buy into that.
I don’t pay attention to idiots, so it doesn’t matter.”
Dawson has a point. Miami’s been under the microscope for its offensive output, but Ohio State’s recent struggles with scoring have flown under the radar a bit.
That said, the Buckeyes still have elite playmakers-Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate can change a game in one snap. The question is whether Miami’s offense can keep pace if this turns into a battle of explosive plays.
3. CJ Daniels Could Be the X-Factor
If Miami is going to spring the upset, they’ll need more than just a solid outing from their stars-they’ll need a spark from someone unexpected. Enter CJ Daniels.
With Ohio State likely keying in on Malachi Toney wherever he lines up, Daniels becomes a critical piece of the puzzle. The Buckeyes’ defense is too talented and too physical to allow Miami to lean on the ground game the way they’ve done against lesser opponents. They’ll need to open things up through the air, and that means someone has to step up alongside Toney.
Daniels has shown flashes-his one-handed catch against Notre Dame was the stuff of highlight reels-but he hasn’t had more than three catches or 40 yards in a game since facing Louisville. That needs to change. If Miami is going to move the ball and keep Ohio State honest, Daniels (or someone else in that receiver room) has to make big plays in big moments.
4. Vegas Line Raises Eyebrows, But Matchup Feels Tight
When the line for this game opened north of 10 points in favor of Ohio State, it surprised more than a few people. Based on how Miami finished the season-especially after the A&M game-this one felt like it should’ve been closer to a touchdown spread.
That number could end up being bulletin board material for the Hurricanes. They’ve got the edge in some key areas: experience at quarterback, and possibly even on the offensive and defensive lines. But Ohio State’s roster is loaded with top-tier talent, especially at the skill positions.
This feels like a game that could swing on a handful of plays. The total sits at 41.5, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see this one come in under that.
A 20-16 type of game? That sounds about right.
Whichever team makes fewer mistakes and finds one or two explosive plays might be the one still standing when the clock hits zero.
Bottom Line:
There’s no shortage of storylines heading into this one-recruiting what-ifs, offensive questions, and players looking to leave a legacy.
But all the noise fades once the ball is kicked. This is a chance for Miami to show they belong on the national stage, and for Ohio State to prove their firepower is still elite.
Strap in. This one has all the makings of a classic.