The Miami Hurricanes didn’t just beat the defending national champs - they imposed their will. In a gritty, physical 24-14 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, Mario Cristobal’s squad showed exactly why they belonged in the College Football Playoff. And if there were any lingering doubts about their inclusion as the final at-large bid, those were buried under a pile of Buckeye frustrations and Hurricanes swagger.
Cristobal, never one to shy away from passion, summed it up perfectly in his postgame interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt: “Hats off to (Ohio State), first and foremost, Coach Ryan Day and his team, awesome. But hats off to our guys for being some tough ass sons of bitches.”
That quote’s going to live on in Miami lore - and the Hurricanes backed it up on the field.
Defensively, Miami played like a team with something to prove. They held Ohio State to just 3-of-10 on third down and allowed a mere 45 rushing yards - a jaw-dropping number considering the Buckeyes’ usual ground-game prowess. The Hurricanes’ front seven brought constant pressure, and the secondary made the most of their opportunities.
None bigger than senior defensive back Keionte Scott’s 72-yard pick-six in the second quarter. That play flipped the script and the momentum, sending a jolt through the Miami sideline and silencing a Buckeye-heavy crowd in Arlington. It was the kind of moment that defines playoff football - a veteran stepping up when the lights are brightest.
Cristobal emphasized the mindset his team brought into the game: “We pointed at being physical and playing with relentless effort. You’ve got to be willing to take the hits and get right back up.”
And they did - again and again.
On the offensive side, Miami didn’t light up the scoreboard, but they controlled the tempo and executed when it mattered. Quarterback Carson Beck was efficient, going 19-of-26 for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Nothing flashy, just smart, steady football. The Hurricanes leaned on their run game, pounding out 153 rushing yards, including a late touchdown from CharMar Brown that helped seal the deal.
This was a complete team win - physical, disciplined, and emotionally charged. Miami improved to 12-2 on the season, and more importantly, they validated the committee’s decision to give them a shot. They didn’t just sneak into the playoff - they earned their way into the next round.
Now, the Hurricanes await the winner of Georgia vs. Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on January 8.
One thing’s for sure: whoever they face next, they better be ready for a fight. Because this Miami team?
They’re not just here to participate. They’re here to make noise.