UPDATE: In a stunning upset, the Miami Hurricanes defeated the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl on December 27, 2023. The victory propels Miami into the final four, marking a significant milestone for the team.
This victory is monumental for Miami, who entered the playoff as the No. 10 seed and now stands just one win away from a national championship. The Hurricanes, boasting a record of 12-2, are on a six-game winning streak and will face either No. 3 seed Georgia or No. 6 seed Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2024.
The game turned in Miami’s favor when Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, giving the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead with 11:49 left in the first half. This was Scott’s second pick-six of the season, showcasing his crucial role in Miami’s defense. Just 1:42 earlier, Carson Beck connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown pass.
Beck, who has experience from Georgia’s national championship runs, completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and orchestrated an impressive offensive performance. Fletcher contributed significantly with 90 yards on the ground, solidifying Miami’s offensive strategy.
Ohio State, entering the game as a 9.5-point favorite, struggled to maintain their dominance after a lengthy break since their last game—a 13-10 loss to now-No. 1 Indiana on December 6. The Buckeyes, also at 12-2, faced a series of setbacks, including five sacks against their quarterback, Julian Sayin, who threw for 287 yards but was also intercepted twice.
“We came into this game with a chip on our shoulder,” Scott said post-game. “We knew we had to play our best football to beat a team like Ohio State.”
The Hurricanes’ scoring continued with a 49-yard field goal from Carter Davis in the third quarter and a late 5-yard touchdown run from ChaMar Brown, solidifying their lead. Miami’s 24 points marked the most allowed by Ohio State this season, a shocking statistic for a team known for its strong defense.
This victory is especially significant for Miami as they have not claimed a national title since 2001. The last time they faced Ohio State in a bowl game ended in heartbreak during the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, where they lost in double overtime.
As Miami prepares for the Fiesta Bowl, anticipation builds among fans eager for a potential championship game in their home stadium. Meanwhile, Ohio State will look to regroup before their season opener against Ball State on September 5, 2026.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Miami’s journey unfolds, making them a team to watch in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as the playoffs progress!
