With the College Football Playoff officially underway, Ohio State finds itself in a unique position: in the mix, but not yet in motion. As the No. 2 seed in this year’s expanded 12-team playoff, the Buckeyes earned a coveted first-round bye-one of four teams to do so. That means while the rest of the field battles it out this weekend, Ryan Day’s squad gets a moment to breathe, reset, and take a hard look in the mirror before the real grind begins.
Next stop for the Buckeyes? The Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington, Texas, on New Year’s Day, where they’ll host a CFP quarterfinal.
What we don’t know yet is who will be lining up across from them. That answer will come out of College Station, where No. 7 seed Texas A&M and No. 10 seed Miami (FL) are set to square off in a high-stakes first-round clash.
Both programs bring serious firepower to the table and, frankly, have a case that they’re under-seeded. These are two teams with legitimate talent on both sides of the ball, capable of dictating tempo and flipping momentum in a heartbeat. Whoever survives this one will be battle-tested-and that’s exactly the kind of opponent Ohio State should expect to face in Arlington.
How to Watch Texas A&M vs. Miami (FL)
The Aggies and Hurricanes kick off Saturday, Dec. 20 at noon ET from Kyle Field. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN, with Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy in the booth, and Molly McGrath and Taylor McGregor reporting from the sidelines.
For those streaming, ESPN’s digital platforms and FUBO (which may offer a free trial) will have you covered.
What to Expect in College Station
This one has the makings of a heavyweight fight.
Both defenses are aggressive and disruptive-expect plenty of quarterback pressure and some big-time hits in the open field. Don’t be surprised if this game turns into a chess match early, with both sides trying to control time of possession, limit mistakes, and force the other into long drives.
The run game could be a swing factor. Texas A&M showed flashes of dominance on the ground late in the year-especially against a stout Texas front-but consistency hasn’t been their calling card. Miami’s defensive line will look to clamp down early, forcing the Aggies to beat them through the air.
And then there’s the crowd. Kyle Field will be rocking, no doubt.
But with a noon local kickoff, the atmosphere might not hit the fever pitch we’d see under the lights. Still, it’s a tough place to play, and that home-field energy could be just enough to tilt the scales.
Prediction Outlook
This one feels like it’s coming down to a single possession.
Both coaching staffs are likely to keep things close to the vest, leaning on defense and special teams to control the game. But when it matters most-on that final third down, deep in the fourth quarter-someone’s going to have to make a play.
And right now, the edge might go to Miami, who’s shown a knack for delivering in tight moments.
What It Means for Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, this weekend is all about preparation.
With the luxury of time, Ohio State can scout both potential opponents in detail, shore up any lingering issues, and get healthy. Whether it’s the speed and explosiveness of Miami or the physicality and depth of Texas A&M, the Buckeyes will be facing a team that’s already passed a playoff test.
The road to a national title doesn’t get easier from here-but with a bye week in hand and a clear path to Arlington, Ohio State is exactly where it wants to be: rested, focused, and ready to chase another championship.