The Ohio State Buckeyes are back in the College Football Playoff with a shot at defending their national title, and the road begins with a New Year’s Eve showdown in the Cotton Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes. While the stakes are already sky-high, this matchup carries an extra layer of motivation for several Buckeyes looking to make a statement as they chase history with a second straight championship.
Ohio State enters this semifinal clash as the No. 2 seed after a strong regular season that earned them a first-round bye. Miami, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the Cotton Bowl by knocking off Texas A&M in the opening round-a gritty win that’s given the Hurricanes a surge of confidence heading into this heavyweight battle.
But confidence only gets you so far, especially when you're lining up against a defense as physical and disciplined as Ohio State’s. And if you ask former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer, Miami’s confidence might be misplaced.
Urban Meyer: “I just don’t see Miami scoring”
Speaking on The Triple Option Show, Meyer didn’t mince words when offering his prediction: “Ohio State scores two touchdowns, they win. I just don’t see Miami scoring. This could be a low-scoring game.”
That’s not just a bold take-it’s a reflection of the trust Meyer has in this Buckeye defense, now under the direction of Matt Patricia. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with him when you look at the numbers. Miami managed just 10 points against Texas A&M, and now they’re facing a defense that’s faster, deeper, and more aggressive at every level.
Caleb Downs: The Game-Changer
The Buckeyes are anchored by one of the most impactful defensive players in the country-Caleb Downs. Whether he’s playing deep, sliding into the box, or covering ground sideline to sideline, Downs is the kind of player who forces quarterbacks to think twice and offensive coordinators to rethink their entire game plan.
Miami fans may argue for Reuben Bain as the best defensive player on the field, but Downs has been a difference-maker all season long. His instincts, athleticism, and versatility give Ohio State a defensive edge that’s hard to match-and even harder to score against.
Offense Just Needs to Do Enough
If Meyer’s prediction holds, the Buckeyes don’t need to light up the scoreboard-they just need to find the end zone twice. And with the weapons they have on offense, that’s a realistic ask.
This isn’t an offense that needs 15-play drives to get points. They can strike fast, stretch the field, and flip momentum in a heartbeat.
The Buckeyes have shown all year they can score from anywhere on the field, whether it’s through the air or on the ground. If they’re able to establish rhythm early and finish a couple of drives, the defense may be able to do the rest.
Final Thoughts
This Cotton Bowl matchup is more than just another playoff game-it’s a litmus test for Miami’s offense and a chance for Ohio State to remind everyone why they’re still the team to beat. Urban Meyer’s confidence in the Buckeyes isn’t just about loyalty-it’s rooted in what we’ve seen on the field all season: a dominant defense, a capable offense, and a team that knows how to win when it matters most.
If Ohio State scores twice and the defense lives up to its billing, this could be another step toward a repeat championship run. And the Hurricanes? They’ll need to find answers fast, because this Buckeye team isn’t in the mood to be generous.