Miami Shocks Ohio State, Punches Ticket to CFP Semifinals with Statement Win
Sometimes, a game becomes more than just a win-it becomes a moment. That’s what unfolded under the bright lights of the Cotton Bowl, where Miami didn’t just beat Ohio State, they announced to the college football world: We’re back, and we’re for real.
With a 24-14 victory over the defending national champions, the Hurricanes didn’t just survive-they imposed their will. And when safety Jakobe Thomas came down with the game-sealing interception in the final minute, the celebration wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about legacy, belief, and a team that’s suddenly rewriting its own story.
A Nod to the Past, A Leap Toward the Future
As the final seconds ticked off, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal made a beeline to a familiar face on the field-legendary Hurricanes coach Jimmy Johnson. “Coach Johnson!
There you go, brother. There you go.
Greentree Practice Field!” Cristobal shouted, invoking the program’s iconic training ground and its championship pedigree.
Johnson, eyes misty, knew exactly what this moment meant.
Beating Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff opener was a statement. Beating No. 1-ranked Ohio State-who had been favored by nearly 10 points-was a thunderclap.
Now, Miami’s not just in the playoff. They’re a legitimate threat to win the whole thing.
Miami’s Best Game Yet
The Hurricanes picked the perfect night to play their most complete game of the season. After a scoreless first quarter, where Miami racked up 110 yards to Ohio State’s 9 without putting points on the board, the floodgates opened.
And it wasn’t fluky. It was physical, methodical, and smart football.
The drive that broke things open? An 18-play, 83-yard march that showcased everything Miami’s offense can be.
Quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated the series with a balance of poise and purpose, mixing in tough runs and timely throws. The payoff?
A beautifully disguised power package that had Beck faking a run before flipping the ball to Mark Fletcher, who cruised into the end zone untouched.
Then came the defensive dagger.
Just two minutes later, Ohio State quarterback Justin Sayin tried to hit a quick pass near the line of scrimmage. Instead, he found Miami safety Keionte Scott, who jumped the route and sprinted 72 yards the other way for a pick-six. Suddenly, it was 14-0, and the Hurricanes had all the momentum they’d need.
Holding Off the Champs
To their credit, Ohio State didn’t fold. They came out of halftime swinging, scoring a quick touchdown and eventually trimming the lead to 17-14 in the fourth quarter. But every time the Buckeyes threatened, Miami had an answer.
Start with the defensive front. Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor continued their tear, combining to ensure Miami posted four sacks for the fourth straight game. The Buckeyes couldn’t get anything going on the ground, finishing the first half with negative rushing yards-a testament to Miami’s relentless front seven.
On offense, Mark Fletcher was a workhorse, carrying the ball 19 times for 90 yards. The offensive line gave him room to work and gave Beck enough time to stay composed and efficient.
Beck didn’t light up the stat sheet-19 completions for 138 yards-but he didn’t have to. What he did do was play mistake-free football and deliver in every critical situation.
When Ohio State cut the lead to three, Beck answered. He bulldozed through two defenders for a key first down.
He zipped a third-down laser to Char Mar Brown to keep a drive alive. And with two minutes left, on third-and-4 at the Ohio State 20, he calmly hit CJ Daniels on a receiver screen to move the chains.
Then, the final blow: Brown punched in a 5-yard touchdown with 55 seconds left. A few plays later, Thomas’ interception sealed it.
More Than a Win
This wasn’t just a game. It was a turning point.
The kind of win that echoes beyond the scoreboard. The kind of win that gets remembered.
Miami didn’t just beat the defending champs. They outplayed them in every phase-offense, defense, special teams, coaching.
They looked faster, tougher, and more prepared. And now, with a spot in the CFP semifinal against the winner of Georgia-Mississippi, they’ve got more than momentum-they’ve got belief.
The Hurricanes are rolling. And if Wednesday night was any indication, they’re not done yet.