Heading into the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Ohio State finds itself in a familiar spot: bruised, but not broken-and maybe even more dangerous because of it.
After falling to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, the Buckeyes are stepping into their matchup with Miami carrying a chip on their shoulder. And if history is any indication, that might be exactly what they need.
We’ve seen it before-last year’s loss to Michigan lit a fire under this team that helped fuel a national title run. Now, with the Hurricanes up next, Ohio State looks like a team with something to prove all over again.
Let’s start with what’s been the backbone of this Buckeyes squad all season: the defense. Nicknamed the “Silver Bullets,” this unit has lived up to the billing.
They’re not just good-they’re statistically dominant. Ohio State leads the nation in total defense, surrendering just 213.5 yards and 8.8 points per game.
That’s elite in any era, but in today’s high-octane college offenses? It’s downright suffocating.
Whether it’s third downs, red-zone stands, or simply making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, the Buckeyes have checked every box-except one. Indiana found a way to crack the code, handing OSU their lone blemish in the conference title game. And the Buckeyes haven’t forgotten.
At Monday’s press conference, players like Sonny Styles and Kayden McDonald didn’t sugarcoat it-they were angry about the Indiana loss. But more importantly, they’re motivated. That’s a dangerous mix for any opponent, especially one like Miami that leans heavily on its offense to win games.
The Hurricanes’ attack is led by quarterback Carson Beck, who’s had a strong season on paper-3,175 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He finished third in the ACC in total yardage and 19th nationally.
But Beck’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. His QBR has swung from a stellar 95.3 to a shaky 51.2, and against a defense like Ohio State’s, inconsistency is a red flag.
Miami’s ground game has been anchored by Mark Fletcher Jr., who’s quietly put together a solid campaign with 857 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. His 56-yard dash against Texas A&M in the CFP opener was a game-changer, setting up the Hurricanes’ only touchdown. He’s a legitimate threat.
But here’s the catch: Miami’s run game has had its off days. In their loss to Louisville, the Hurricanes managed just 63 rushing yards on 2.6 yards per carry.
And Louisville’s defense? Ranked 21st nationally against the run.
Ohio State? They’re sitting at No.
- That’s a significant jump in difficulty.
If the Buckeyes bottle up Fletcher early, it puts even more pressure on Beck to deliver-and that’s where things could unravel. Ohio State’s defense thrives on disrupting rhythm. They force teams into uncomfortable situations, and Beck’s shown he can be turnover-prone when the pocket collapses or when he’s forced into predictable throws.
That’s the formula: shut down the run, pressure the quarterback, and wait for the mistakes. It’s worked all season, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t hold up against Miami.
Now, to be fair, Miami’s defense deserves respect. They rank No. 11 nationally, and they’re more than capable of creating chaos in their own right.
And let’s not pretend Ohio State’s offense has been flawless-especially in the run game, where consistency has been elusive. There’s a very real chance this game turns into a defensive slugfest, with both offenses struggling to find traction.
But when it comes to game-changing plays, the edge still leans toward the Buckeyes. Their defense doesn’t just stop drives-it ends games. They’ve made a habit of wearing teams down, forcing turnovers, and closing the door when it matters most.
And then there’s the intangible factor: hunger. This team is still stinging from that loss to Indiana.
They know what they’re capable of, and they’re eager to remind everyone. That kind of internal fire can’t be measured, but it shows up in the way they fly to the ball, the way they hit, and the way they finish.
So while Miami brings talent and toughness to the table, they’re walking into a storm. The Silver Bullets are locked in, and when Ohio State plays with this kind of edge, it’s hard to bet against them.