As the defending national champions, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) are headed to Dallas for a New Year’s Eve showdown in the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll face off against the 11-2 Miami Hurricanes in a College Football Playoff semifinal. It’s a matchup loaded with storylines, but let’s lock in on five key things to know about the Hurricanes before kickoff.
1. Miami’s Defense Is Legit - And Dangerous
This isn’t just a solid defense - it’s one of the best in the country. Miami enters the playoff ranked fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 13.0 points per game.
That puts them right behind Ohio State, which leads the nation in that category. So yes, this one has the makings of a defensive slugfest.
The Hurricanes have already shown they can shut down high-powered offenses. They held Texas A&M to just three points in the first round of the playoff, and they made life miserable for quarterback Marcel Reed, picking him off twice. That kind of performance speaks to a defense that’s not just disciplined - it’s opportunistic.
2. The Pass Rush Can Wreck a Game Plan
If there’s one area where Miami can flip a game on its head, it’s their pass rush. Just ask Texas A&M.
Despite facing a mobile quarterback in Reed, the Hurricanes racked up seven sacks in that game. That’s not a typo.
Seven.
Rueben Bain Jr. was the tone-setter with three sacks, while Keionte Scott added two more, and Akheem Mesidor chipped in with 1.5. For the season, Mesidor leads the team with 8.5 sacks, followed by Bain with 7.5 and Scott with five. As a unit, Miami has piled up 41 sacks this year - a number that speaks to both depth and consistency up front.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has only been sacked 11 times all season, but five of those came in a single game against Indiana. That’s a red flag heading into a matchup with a front seven that thrives on chaos. If the Buckeyes’ offensive line isn’t airtight, Miami’s defense could make things uncomfortable in a hurry.
3. Mark Fletcher Jr. - A Familiar Name for Buckeye Fans
There’s a bit of history here. Mark Fletcher Jr. originally committed to Ohio State back in April 2022 as part of the 2023 recruiting class.
But by November, he decommitted and eventually pledged to Miami. Now, he’s a key piece of the Hurricanes’ offense - and he’s coming off one of his best performances of the season.
Fletcher has rushed for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns on 158 carries this year, but his breakout moment came in the playoff opener, where he gashed Texas A&M for 174 yards on just 17 carries. That’s over 10 yards a pop - not just efficient, but explosive.
He’s a powerful, downhill runner who can wear down a defense over four quarters. And you can bet he’ll be running with a little extra motivation against the team he once considered home.
4. Carson Beck’s Turnovers Have Been Costly
For most of the season, Miami quarterback Carson Beck has done a solid job managing the offense. He’s thrown for 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions - respectable numbers.
But those picks haven’t been evenly distributed. In fact, six of his 10 interceptions came in Miami’s two losses.
Against SMU, Beck threw two picks. Against Louisville, he threw four.
That’s the kind of volatility that can swing a playoff game. While he didn’t turn the ball over in the win over Texas A&M - albeit while throwing for just 100 yards - the Buckeyes’ defense will be looking to pressure him into mistakes.
A turnover or two could be the difference in a game that’s expected to be tight from start to finish.
5. Malachi Toney Is Everywhere - Literally
Every once in a while, a true freshman comes along who doesn’t just play - he changes games. That’s exactly what Malachi Toney has done for Miami. The 18-year-old has been a Swiss Army knife for the Hurricanes, and they’ve made it a priority to get the ball in his hands however they can.
Toney has caught 89 passes for 992 yards and eight touchdowns, rushed 20 times for 98 yards and a score, and even thrown two touchdown passes. He’s the kind of player who lines up in the slot, in the backfield, out wide - wherever the matchup favors him. He scored the lone touchdown in Miami’s playoff win over Texas A&M, and he’ll be a focal point again in the semifinal.
Ohio State’s defense - elite as it is - will need to account for Toney on every snap. Lose track of him, and he’ll make you pay.
Bottom Line: This Miami team isn’t just happy to be in the playoff - they’re built to compete. They bring a nasty defense, a relentless pass rush, a physical run game, and a few X-factors who can change momentum in a heartbeat. Ohio State has the pedigree and the firepower, but they’ll need to be sharp in all three phases to punch their ticket to another title game.