As the countdown to the Cotton Bowl ticks down and Ohio State prepares for a New Year’s Eve showdown with Miami, the Buckeyes are staring down a Hurricanes squad that’s no stranger to adversity-and no slouch when it comes to top-end talent. Miami punched its ticket to Arlington by edging out a mistake-prone Texas A&M team, and while the win wasn’t perfect, it was revealing. Several Canes stepped up in big ways, and if Ohio State wants to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive, it’ll need to keep a close eye on these key playmakers.
QB Carson Beck (No. 11): Steady Under Fire
Carson Beck didn’t put up gaudy numbers in the win over Texas A&M, but what he did do was manage the game with poise in brutal conditions. With swirling winds and a relentless pass rush in his face, the Georgia transfer completed 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also avoided disaster-only one fumble and two sacks-by getting the ball out quickly and staying calm in the pocket.
Beck’s ability to read pressure and get through his progressions under duress will test Ohio State’s defense. He’s not immune to off days, but when he’s in rhythm, he can pick apart a secondary with quick decisions and smart throws.
The Buckeyes will need to disrupt that rhythm early and often, forcing Beck into uncomfortable spots and speeding up his internal clock. That means bringing pressure-but doing so without compromising coverage.
RB Mark Fletcher Jr. (No. 4): A Load to Bring Down
Mark Fletcher Jr. was a wrecking ball against the Aggies, racking up 172 yards on just 17 carries-that’s over 10 yards per tote. He was the engine that powered Miami’s offense late in the game, bouncing off defenders and dragging tacklers for extra yards. Fletcher’s combination of size, vision, and balance makes him a handful at the second level, and the Buckeyes will need to bring their tackling A-game.
Even after missing time earlier this season, Fletcher still managed to pile up 857 yards and 10 touchdowns. Miami has used him strategically, but when he’s on the field, he’s a difference-maker.
A lot of his success comes from a Miami offensive line that’s quietly done a solid job opening lanes and sealing off second-level defenders. That line helped pave the way on Saturday and has been one of the best in the country at keeping their quarterback upright-ranking 11th nationally in fewest sacks allowed.
If Ohio State can’t win the battle in the trenches, Fletcher could be a major problem.
WR Malachi Toney (No. 10): The Freshman Sparkplug
Malachi Toney may be a freshman, but he’s already Miami’s go-to guy in the passing game. He leads the team in receiving yards (992) and touchdowns (8), and his knack for making big plays in big moments was on full display against Texas A&M. Despite a quiet stat line-five catches for just 22 yards-Toney hauled in the game-winning score and bounced back from a costly fumble earlier in the game.
The windy conditions limited the vertical passing game, but Toney’s versatility still showed up. He’s a threat on jet sweeps and quick screens, averaging nearly five yards per carry when used in motion. Ohio State’s corners will need to stay disciplined and physical at the line, because once Toney gets into space, he can make defenders miss in a hurry.
DEs Akheem Mesidor (No. 3) and Rueben Bain Jr. (No. 4): The Wrecking Crew
If there’s one area where Miami can really cause problems, it’s up front on defense-and it starts with Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. These two have been disruptive forces all season, and they were relentless against Texas A&M.
Bain had the flashier day, recording three sacks and five tackles, building on a season that earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. With 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, he’s been a consistent headache for opposing offenses.
Mesidor, meanwhile, added 1.5 sacks and five tackles of his own and leads the team with 8.5 sacks on the season. He was a constant presence in the backfield, using a mix of speed and strength to beat both of Texas A&M’s tackles.
Mesidor typically lines up on the left side of the defensive front, but he’s versatile enough to move around and exploit matchups. Ohio State’s offensive tackles, particularly Phillip Daniels, will have their hands full trying to keep him in check. If Mesidor starts collapsing the pocket, it could spell trouble for the Buckeyes’ passing game.
The Bigger Picture
Miami didn’t get to the Cotton Bowl by accident. This is a team with physicality, playmakers, and the kind of grit that shows up in tight games. For Ohio State, the mission is clear: neutralize the Hurricanes’ top weapons and force the supporting cast to step up.
Carson Beck can manage a game with precision if given time. Mark Fletcher Jr. is a punishing runner who thrives on broken tackles and open lanes.
Malachi Toney brings explosive potential every time he touches the ball. And on defense, Mesidor and Bain can wreck a game plan in a matter of snaps.
If the Buckeyes want to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, they’ll need to win the battles at the line of scrimmage, limit explosive plays, and avoid giving Miami’s stars the chance to take over. Do that, and Ohio State will put itself in position to play for something even bigger in the weeks to come.