When Miami takes the field in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Wednesday night, it’ll be strength vs. strength in the truest sense. The Hurricanes are coming off a ground-and-pound showcase against Texas A&M, racking up 175 rushing yards on 28 carries. But now they face their toughest test yet - an Ohio State run defense that’s been downright stingy all season.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they tell a pretty compelling story. The Buckeyes rank fifth nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (84.46) and sixth in opponent yards per carry (2.83).
That’s not just good - that’s elite. And it’s not just the stats backing that up.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ohio State boasts the No. 1 run defense grade in the country at 89.9. That’s a testament to both the scheme and the personnel.
Up front, Ohio State’s got some serious dudes. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald leads all interior defenders with a 92.2 run defense grade - a disruptive force in the middle who clogs gaps and collapses pockets.
On the edge, Caden Curry isn’t far behind, ranking sixth among edge rushers with an 86.9 run defense grade. These aren’t just solid players - they’re game-wreckers.
But don’t count out Miami’s offensive front. The Hurricanes come into this one ranked 10th nationally in PFF’s run blocking grades, and they’ve got momentum. Alex Mirabal’s offensive line dominated against Texas A&M, opening up lanes all night for a healthy Mark Fletcher, who delivered the best performance of his young career - 17 carries, 172 yards, and a jaw-dropping 10.1 yards per carry.
Fletcher’s story adds another layer to this matchup. Originally committed to Ohio State, he flipped to Miami so his family could watch him play closer to home. Now, in a twist of fate, he’s set to face the team he once planned to suit up for - and he’s doing it after a breakout performance on the biggest stage of his career so far.
But the challenge ahead is real. Ohio State has only allowed 100+ rushing yards three times all season - and even then, they didn’t break.
In the opener, Texas managed 166 yards on 37 carries but still lost 14-7. Michigan got to 100 yards on the ground in their regular season finale but couldn’t find the end zone, falling 27-9.
Indiana had 118 rushing yards in the Big XII title game but needed every inch in a tight 13-10 win.
Against ranked opponents - Texas, Michigan, and Indiana - the Buckeyes gave up 384 rushing yards on 95 carries, a respectable 4.04 yards per attempt. But against unranked teams?
They locked it down. In 10 games, they allowed just 714 rushing yards on 293 carries - that’s 2.44 yards per carry - and only four rushing touchdowns total all season.
That’s the kind of consistency championship defenses are built on.
So, what’s it going to come down to?
For Miami, it starts - and maybe ends - with the line of scrimmage. If the Hurricanes can establish the run early and get Fletcher going behind that physical offensive front, they’ll have a real shot at pulling off the upset.
Mirabal’s unit showed they could dominate against a quality A&M front. But Ohio State is a different animal - faster, deeper, and more disciplined.
This is the kind of trench warfare that defines playoff football. Two units that pride themselves on physicality, execution, and willpower.
Miami’s run game has been a weapon all season, and Fletcher is peaking at the right time. But Ohio State’s front seven has been nearly impenetrable.
Something’s got to give.