Miami Upsets Defending Champion Ohio State 24-14 in CFP Quarterfinal at Cotton Bowl

In a significant College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, No. 10 Miami defeated defending national champion No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 on Wednesday night. The victory propels the Hurricanes into the semifinals, marking a notable achievement in their postseason journey.

Miami's defense was pivotal, with defensive back Keionte Scott intercepting a screen pass from Ohio State's Julian Sayin and returning it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Scott expressed his emotions, stating, "I was full of emotions... That was a pretty cool moment."

Offensively, quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. in the first quarter. Fletcher also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing 19 times for 90 yards.

Ohio State's offense struggled against Miami's defense, managing only 45 rushing yards and committing two turnovers. Sayin completed 22 of 35 passes for 287 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith was a standout for the Buckeyes, recording seven receptions for 157 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown catch on a fourth down in the fourth quarter.

Miami's head coach Mario Cristobal, a former Hurricanes player, emphasized the team's collective effort, stating, "It is 100% not about me. I'm part of their team, I'm a part of that family."

With this win, Miami advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss on January 8 at the Fiesta Bowl.