Cotton Bowl Preview: Buckeyes Seek Redemption Against Battle-Tested Miami
There’s no sugarcoating it - Ohio State walked off the field after the Big Ten Championship game with a bitter taste in its mouth. A 13-10 loss to Indiana wasn’t just a missed opportunity; it was a gut punch. Despite holding the Hoosiers to 340 total yards - well below their season average - and winning several key statistical battles, the Buckeyes came up short when it mattered most.
Now, with the College Football Playoff stage set and the Cotton Bowl looming, Ohio State has a shot at redemption. But standing in the way is a Miami team that’s already logged a playoff win, edging Texas A&M 10-3 in a defensive slugfest. The Hurricanes are rolling into Arlington with momentum - and a quarterback who’s seen just about everything college football can throw at him.
Buckeyes Locked In After Big Ten Setback
The loss to Indiana still stings in Columbus. Ohio State’s defense did its job for most of the night, but a few explosive plays and a lack of offensive rhythm proved costly. Linebacker Sonny Styles didn’t mince words when reflecting on the game.
“We’re frustrated,” Styles said. “We didn’t play well enough to win the game.
It’s our fault and we’re taking the time to fix that. It’s a one-game season at this point - win or go home.”
That mindset has fueled intense practices and a renewed focus. The Buckeyes know they let one slip away, and they’re not interested in repeating that feeling.
“We gave up a few big plays against Indiana,” Styles added. “The way we look at it, we got outplayed by the other defense. Our offense put up 10, we allowed 13.”
Ohio State’s defense has been one of the most reliable units in the country, especially on third down. They rank seventh nationally in opponent third-down conversion rate, allowing just over 29%. That could be a major factor against a Miami offense that struggled to stay on schedule against Texas A&M, converting just 25% of its third downs.
“We’re always trying to be on the attack,” said Styles. “That’s especially true on third down - that’s a fun down for us.
We can do a lot of different things, give different looks. We’re always trying to stay one step ahead.”
Miami Brings Experience and Confidence
While Ohio State is trying to shake off a loss, Miami enters the Cotton Bowl with a win already under its belt - and that matters. Last year’s playoff showed the advantage of having a game under your belt, as every team coming off a bye was sent packing. The Hurricanes have that edge, and they’re playing with house money.
What really sets Miami apart, though, is its experience under center. Quarterback Carson Beck isn’t just a veteran - he’s battle-tested, with 40 starts and a national title on his résumé. That kind of poise can be a difference-maker in high-stakes games.
“He’s going to stand in the pocket and make throws,” said cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. “He’s going to try not to make bad decisions and get the ball out of his hands fast. We have to try to make him uncomfortable and force him into some bad decisions.”
That’s easier said than done, but if any defense is built for that task, it’s Ohio State’s. Their ability to disguise coverages, bring pressure from different angles, and win on third down gives them a real shot to disrupt Beck’s rhythm.
Buckeyes Leaning on Brotherhood, Not History
There’s a sense of déjà vu around this team. Last season, Ohio State entered the playoff after a loss and caught fire, riding that wave all the way to a national title. The talk of going back-to-back is there - it would be a historic first for the program - but it’s not the primary motivator in the locker room.
For players like Lorenzo Styles Jr., it’s about the bond with teammates and the urgency of knowing their time together is running out.
“These are the last few opportunities I have to play with these guys,” Styles said. “We only have one game guaranteed, and that’s how we’re approaching things.
The loss brought us closer as a team. We had to stick together and rally together.
Sometimes when you don’t lose games, you don’t feel adversity. We needed that loss.
We didn’t want it, but we needed it.”
That’s the kind of emotional fuel that can power a playoff run. The Buckeyes aren’t just playing to defend their title - they’re playing for each other.
What to Watch For
This matchup is loaded with storylines. Can Ohio State’s defense set the tone early and keep Beck from getting comfortable?
Will the Buckeyes’ offense bounce back after a sluggish showing in the Big Ten title game? Can Miami capitalize on its early playoff momentum and steal another one?
One thing’s for sure: Ohio State is coming into this game with something to prove - and a defense that’s ready to set the tone.
“We’re antsy to get back on the field,” Lorenzo Styles Jr. said. “We’re loaded and ready to go.”
Cotton Bowl Classic: Ohio State vs. Miami
What: CFP Quarterfinal
When: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
ET
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Records: Ohio State 12-1, Miami 11-2
It’s win or go home. And for Ohio State, it’s a chance to turn the page and start writing a new chapter - one that begins with redemption and could end in history.