What Should Worry Ohio State Most About Miami in the Cotton Bowl? Two Words: Defensive Pressure
As the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for their College Football Playoff semifinal showdown against No.
10 Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, the focus is understandably on the big picture: a shot at a national title. But before fans start dreaming about confetti and championship parades, there’s a serious hurdle to clear - and it’s wearing orange and green.
Miami isn’t just a playoff gatecrasher. They’re a team with speed, experience, and a chip on their shoulder after sneaking in over Notre Dame. And while the Buckeyes enter the matchup as 10-point favorites, there are a couple of areas where the Hurricanes could cause real problems - especially for an Ohio State team still licking its wounds from a rough outing in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Let’s break down the two biggest concerns for Buckeye Nation heading into this one: Miami’s disruptive defensive line and their stingy red zone defense.
1. Miami’s Defensive Front: A Real Problem for a Banged-Up Buckeye O-Line
Let’s start in the trenches, where games like this are often won or lost.
Ohio State’s offensive line - which had been a strength for most of the season - hit a wall in its last outing. Indiana’s defensive front got after freshman quarterback Julian Sayin in a big way, racking up five sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. It was a surprising collapse, especially given how solid the line had been through the Buckeyes’ first 12 games.
Now, that group is heading into the Cotton Bowl without one of its key pieces. Right guard Tegra Tshabola, a starter since the beginning of the 2024 season, is out after undergoing surgery following the Big Ten title game.
That’s a major blow. Ohio State will turn to Gabe VanSickle and Joshua Padilla to fill the void, and they’ll be doing it against a Miami front that just feasted on Texas A&M.
The Hurricanes sacked Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed seven times in their opening-round CFP win. Leading the charge was Rueben Bain Jr., who notched one of those sacks and has been a consistent force all season. The junior defensive end now has 7.5 sacks on the year and brings the kind of edge speed that can wreck a game plan.
Inside, Akheem Mesidor adds a veteran presence. The sixth-year defensive tackle has been a steady producer throughout his college career, with at least 4.5 sacks in every season he’s played outside of a redshirt year in 2023. His combination of power and experience makes him a handful for any interior lineman - let alone a backup thrown into the fire.
If Ohio State can’t protect Sayin better than it did against Indiana, this game could get uncomfortable in a hurry. Sayin struggled to push the ball downfield under pressure, which limited the impact of elite wideouts like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. That’s not the formula Ryan Day wants heading into the biggest game of the season.
2. Red Zone Execution: Miami Clamps Down When It Counts
While the pass rush is the most obvious concern, Miami’s ability to tighten up near the goal line might be just as dangerous.
Ohio State has had its share of red zone issues this season - a surprising trend for a team with as much offensive firepower as any in the country. Despite the talent, the Buckeyes rank just 42nd nationally in red zone conversion rate (87.88%), and they’ve only punched it in for touchdowns on about two-thirds of those trips.
That’s not ideal heading into a matchup with a Miami defense that’s been one of the best in the country at slamming the door inside the 20. The Hurricanes have allowed just 15 red zone touchdowns all season - seventh fewest in the FBS.
They’re tough, disciplined, and physical when the field shrinks. And if Ohio State has to settle for field goals, that could be a problem - especially given kicker Jayden Fielding’s inconsistency in big moments.
This is where the pressure shifts to Day, who’s back to calling plays after Brian Hartline began transitioning to his new role at USF. Creativity in short-yardage situations has been hit-or-miss this year, with some of the Buckeyes’ best weapons - including Smith and Tate - too often left on the sidelines in favor of tight end-heavy sets.
That has to change.
Ohio State can’t afford to waste red zone possessions in a game where Miami’s defense is built to bend but not break. Sayin will need to be sharp, and the play-calling must be aggressive but smart.
The Buckeyes have had three weeks to regroup, reset, and refocus. Now it’s time to show they’ve used that time wisely.
Bottom Line
Ohio State is the more talented team - there’s no question about that. But talent alone doesn’t win playoff games. The Buckeyes have to protect their young quarterback, finish drives in the red zone, and avoid the kind of self-inflicted wounds that can turn a New Year’s Eve party into a nightmare.
Miami’s defensive line is legit. Their red zone defense is battle-tested. And they’re coming into this game with nothing to lose.
For Buckeye Nation, that’s more than enough reason to be on high alert.