Miami Upsets Ohio State 24-14 in Cotton Bowl to Advance to CFP Semifinals

The Miami Hurricanes secured a 24-14 victory over defending champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The No. 10 seed Hurricanes (12-2) capitalized on key plays, including a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown by Keionte Scott and a 9-yard touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Mark Fletcher Jr.

Miami's defense held Ohio State scoreless in the first half, marking the first time the Buckeyes (12-2) were shut out in a half since the 2016 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State's offense struggled, managing only 45 rushing yards and converting 3 of 10 third-down attempts. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith led the Buckeyes with seven receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown.

Miami's offense was efficient, with Beck completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. contributed 90 rushing yards on 19 carries and added a receiving touchdown. The Hurricanes' defense recorded five sacks and two interceptions, including Scott's pick-six.

With this win, Miami advances to the CFP semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 3 seed Georgia and No. 6 seed Ole Miss on January 8 at the Fiesta Bowl. This marks Miami's first appearance in the national semifinals since the inception of the College Football Playoff.