Why Ohio State Will Be Locked In on Miami vs. Texas A&M: Five Key CFP Quarterfinal Clues
As Ohio State preps for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown on Dec. 31, there’s one game that will have the full attention of Ryan Day and his staff: Miami vs. Texas A&M. The winner of that first-round clash will meet the Buckeyes, and there’s no shortage of storylines worth tracking.
Let’s break down five areas that Ohio State will be watching closely - and why they matter as the Buckeyes gear up for another title run.
1. Miami’s Offensive Line vs. Texas A&M’s Pass Rush: A Heavyweight Battle in the Trenches
If Ohio State is going to make another deep playoff push, it’ll likely be anchored by its defensive front. Last year, Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau were game-wreckers, and this year’s group - led by Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles - is built in that same mold.
But Miami’s offensive line might be the toughest test yet.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Hurricanes boast the fourth-best pass blocking grade in the country (86.2). Quarterback Carson Beck - who’s attempted well over 250 passes - has been pressured just 57 times all season, the fewest among FBS quarterbacks in that category. That’s elite protection.
But there’s a crack in the armor. When Miami faced Louisville - the only top-10 pass rush it saw all year - Beck was hounded for a season-high 11 pressures and tossed four interceptions. That game exposed what can happen when the pocket collapses.
Texas A&M brings a similar level of heat. The Aggies rank eighth nationally in pass rush grade, and they’ve got the kind of edge talent that can test any protection scheme. For Miami, this will be a crucial dress rehearsal before potentially seeing Ohio State’s pressure packages.
2. Can Ohio State’s Offensive Line Hold Up Against Star-Powered Fronts?
While much of the focus will be on Miami’s ability to protect Beck, Ohio State’s staff will also be watching how both defenses attack the offensive line - because the Buckeyes have had their own issues up front.
In their most recent game, a loss to Indiana, the offensive line struggled to establish consistency. And both Miami and Texas A&M have the kind of defensive stars who can exploit that.
Miami’s Rueben Bain, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick, is a nightmare off the edge. He racked up 58 pressures, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks this season. His teammate, Akheem Mesidor, wasn’t far behind - earning All-ACC first team honors with 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Texas A&M counters with its own All-American: Cashius Howell. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year has 11.5 sacks (tied for fourth nationally) and 14 tackles for loss. Like Bain, Howell is a likely first-rounder and brings relentless energy off the edge.
If either team advances, Ohio State’s offensive line will have its hands full.
3. Slot Showdowns: A Potential Weak Spot in the Buckeyes’ Secondary
Ohio State’s defense has been one of the most complete units in the country this season, but no defense is bulletproof. One area that’s shown some vulnerability? The nickel spot.
Lorenzo Styles, who’s started at nickel, had a tough outing against Indiana. He was targeted four times, gave up two chunk plays totaling 61 yards, and drew a pass interference flag. That’s enough to put a bullseye on his back in film rooms across the country.
Both Miami and Texas A&M have slot receivers who can do serious damage.
Miami’s Malachi Toney has been one of the nation’s top freshmen. He’s caught 84 passes for 970 yards and seven touchdowns, with over 70% of his snaps coming from the slot. He’s quick, polished, and fearless over the middle.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, has multiple slot weapons. Mario Craver, a Mississippi State transfer, has turned 333 slot snaps into 52 catches, 825 yards, and four scores.
Then there’s KC Concepcion, the Aggies’ go-to guy and a matchup nightmare. He’s racked up 886 yards and nine touchdowns, with the versatility to line up anywhere but especially dangerous from the slot.
Styles and the Buckeyes’ secondary will need to be sharp - because whoever wins this game is bringing slot firepower.
4. Special Teams X-Factor: KC Concepcion’s All-Purpose Threat
Concepcion isn’t just a weapon on offense - he’s a game-changer on special teams, too.
The SEC’s top all-purpose player this season, Concepcion is averaging 20 yards per punt return (third-best in the nation) and has already taken two to the house. He’s explosive in space and can flip field position - or break a game wide open - in a heartbeat.
Ohio State’s punt coverage unit has been solid all year. In fact, opponents have barely had a chance to return kicks - just three of Joe McGuire’s 24 punts have been brought back, totaling a mere seven yards.
Still, Concepcion is the kind of player who demands extra attention. If Texas A&M advances, the Buckeyes will need to be disciplined in their lanes and sharp in their coverage. One lapse could be costly.
5. The Quarterback Wild Cards: Which Version Will Show Up?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Which Carson Beck or Marcel Reed will we see?
Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance - and moments that leave you scratching your head.
Beck’s worst game came against Louisville, when pressure rattled him into four picks. He also threw two interceptions in a November loss to SMU.
But when he’s on, he’s surgical. In wins over Notre Dame, Florida State, and NC State, Beck tossed nine touchdowns without a single turnover.
Reed has been equally unpredictable. He was electric in victories over Missouri, Notre Dame, and Arkansas.
But then came a clunker against Texas, and a rough outing versus Auburn. His most telling performance might’ve been against South Carolina - where he threw two first-half interceptions and lost a fumble, only to storm back with three second-half touchdown passes and lead one of the greatest comebacks in SEC history.
The talent is there. The question is: Can either quarterback put together four quarters of high-level football on the biggest stage?
Ohio State’s defense will be watching closely. Saturday’s game won’t just determine the Buckeyes’ opponent - it might reveal which quarterback is ready for the playoff pressure cooker.
Bottom Line
There’s no such thing as a tune-up in the College Football Playoff, and Miami vs. Texas A&M is more than just a first-round game - it’s a preview of what’s coming for Ohio State. Whether it’s trench warfare in the pass rush, explosive slot playmakers, or boom-or-bust quarterback performances, this matchup has everything.
And you can bet Ryan Day and his staff will be watching every snap.