Cotton Bowl Preview: Ohio State’s Steady Machine Meets Miami’s Grit in High-Stakes Clash
The College Football Playoff is heating up, and all eyes are on the Cotton Bowl Classic, where No. 2 Ohio State is set to face off against No.
10 Miami on December 31. It’s a showdown that pits a well-oiled Big Ten powerhouse against a resilient ACC squad that’s battled its way into the mix.
Let’s start with the Buckeyes. Ohio State cruised through the regular season, dominating the Big Ten with a level of consistency that’s become their calling card.
But their air of invincibility took a hit in the conference championship game, where they were pushed to the brink by Indiana. That close call might’ve been exactly what this team needed-a reminder that nothing comes easy in December and January.
Now, with a bye week behind them and a fresh set of legs, they’re entering the playoff with purpose and a chip on their shoulder.
Miami, on the other hand, had to earn their spot the hard way. Their playoff ticket was punched after a gritty win over Texas A&M in a first-round slugfest.
It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t perfect-especially on offense and special teams-but it was enough. That victory came just five games after a humbling loss to SMU, but the Hurricanes have since rattled off four straight wins.
Sure, those wins came against lesser opponents, but momentum is momentum, and Miami’s got some.
At the heart of this matchup is a quarterback duel that could define the entire game.
Julian Sayin: The Calm Commander
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin has looked like a seasoned vet since the moment he stepped under center in August. He’s been the model of poise and precision, completing nearly 80% of his passes for 3,323 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but it’s the timing of his performances that really tells the story.
Sayin saved his best for the stretch run. He lit up Wisconsin, dismantled Penn State, and then capped it off with a masterclass against Michigan.
That three-game heater not only solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country but also earned him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. He didn’t take home the trophy, but he did cement himself as the leader of a team with serious national title aspirations.
What makes Sayin so effective is more than just the stat sheet. He’s in command of the offense, spreading the ball around, making smart reads, and showing the kind of composure that you just don’t teach. If he stays in rhythm, Ohio State is going to be a tough out for anyone.
Carson Beck: The Veteran With Something to Prove
Across the field, Miami will be leaning on Carson Beck-a quarterback who’s seen a lot in his college career but is still chasing that signature moment. Beck started his journey at Georgia, where he was part of the 2021 national title team, though he wasn’t the one leading the charge.
When he finally got his shot as the starter, he racked up wins but never got the Bulldogs into the playoff conversation. His 24-3 record is nothing to scoff at, but it came without a postseason appearance.
This season, Beck took his talents to Miami, and while he’s been solid-throwing for 3,072 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 picks-he hasn’t quite reached that elite tier. Against Texas A&M, he did just enough to keep the Hurricanes alive, but he’ll need to be sharper if Miami is going to hang with the Buckeyes.
Beck’s got the tools. He’s experienced, he’s got a strong arm, and he knows what it takes to win.
But this Cotton Bowl matchup is going to demand more than just managing the game. He’s going to have to make plays-big ones-against a defense that doesn’t give up much.
What to Watch
This game could come down to which quarterback handles the moment better. Sayin has been steady all year, and if he continues to operate with the same efficiency, Ohio State’s offense will hum.
Beck, meanwhile, needs to elevate his game. Miami can’t afford a slow start or missed opportunities-not against a team as complete as the Buckeyes.
But football isn’t just about quarterbacks. Ohio State’s defense has been lights-out for most of the season, and their offensive line has given Sayin the time he needs to work through progressions and pick defenses apart. Miami will have to find ways to disrupt that rhythm-whether it’s with pressure, turnovers, or special teams magic.
For the Hurricanes, this is a chance to prove they belong on this stage. For the Buckeyes, it’s about taking the next step in what they hope is a championship run.
One team is trying to keep a machine running. The other is trying to shock the system.
Buckle up. Cotton Bowl’s going to be a good one.