Lead
On Wednesday night in Arlington, Texas, No. 10 Miami upset defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. The outcome was decided by a 72-yard interception return by Keionte Scott and complementary scoring from quarterback Carson Beck and the Miami defense. The Hurricanes, seeded No. 10 in the 12-team CFP, improved to 12-2 and advanced to a semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. Ohio State (12-2, CFP No. 2 seed) — which entered the game a 9.5-point favorite — will not defend its title after the loss.
Key Takeaways
- Final score: Miami 24, Ohio State 14; the Hurricanes forced two interceptions and held the Buckeyes to 14 points, the most Ohio State had surrendered this season.
- Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown and has returned both of his interceptions for TDs this season.
- Miami QB Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards; his seven consecutive completions included a 9-yard TD to Mark Fletcher Jr.
- Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed 19 times for 90 yards, caught a 9-yard TD and was named the game’s offensive MVP.
- Ohio State freshman Julian Sayin was 22 of 35 for 287 yards with two interceptions and one TD; he was sacked five times.
- AP All-America receiver Smith (a Miami native) had seven catches for 157 yards, including a 14-yard fourth-down TD in the fourth quarter.
- Carter Davis kicked a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter; ChaMar Brown scored on a 5-yard run in the final minute.
- Miami has won six straight games since an overtime loss on Nov. 1 at SMU and reached the CFP semifinals after entering the 12-team field with an at-large berth.
Background
Miami entered the postseason without playing in the ACC championship game but earned an at-large berth in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes’ run to the final four marks a notable turnaround under coach Mario Cristobal in his fourth season, with the program seeking its first national title since 2001. Cristobal, a member of Miami’s 2001 championship team as a player, has referenced the program’s past success while building the current squad.
Ohio State came into Arlington riding the reputation of a defending national champion and a top seed in the CFP (No. 2), though the Buckeyes had not played since a 13-10 loss to No. 1 Indiana in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 6. Betting markets listed Ohio State as about a 9 1/2-point favorite at the Cotton Bowl; the upset echoes the unpredictability introduced by the 12-team playoff format.
The Cotton Bowl was played for the 90th time, and the setting carried historical resonance: former Hurricanes stars including Michael Irvin and coach Jimmy Johnson returned to AT&T Stadium during Miami’s on-field celebration. For Miami, a win in the semifinals would bring the program one step from playing for a national title in its own stadium.
Main Event
The decisive sequence began early in the second quarter. Carson Beck connected on a quick pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. out of the backfield for a 9-yard touchdown, putting Miami up 7-0. Less than two minutes later, Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass and sprinted 72 yards untouched to extend the lead to 14-0, a momentum swing that energized the Hurricanes and their sideline.
Ohio State mounted a response later, with Julian Sayin throwing a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith, but the Buckeyes were hampered by pressure up front; Sayin was sacked five times. Sayin finished 22 of 35 for 287 yards with two interceptions, and he accounted for Ohio State’s primary passing production despite the turnovers.
Miami’s offense continued to mix runs and timely throws. Mark Fletcher Jr.’s 19 carries for 90 yards and his scoring catch earned him offensive MVP honors. AP All-America receiver Smith (a Miami native) hauled in seven passes for 157 yards and delivered a 14-yard fourth-down touchdown late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the final margin.
Special teams and later possessions added breathing room: Carter Davis converted a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter, and ChaMar Brown sealed the outcome with a 5-yard touchdown run in the game’s final minute. Ohio State’s defense generated at least one highlight — All-America safety Caleb Downs forced two fumbles, becoming the first player to force two fumbles in a CFP game — but it was not enough to overcome Miami’s key plays.
Analysis & Implications
Miami’s victory is significant on several levels. Tactically, the Hurricanes executed a balanced offensive game plan that combined efficient passing from Beck (19-of-26) with a steady ground attack led by Fletcher. The 72-yard pick-six from Scott shifted momentum abruptly and exposed protection issues for Ohio State on screens and quick reads.
For Ohio State, the loss ends a bid to repeat as national champion and raises questions about pass protection and adapting to pressure against athletic defensive backs. Julian Sayin’s 287 passing yards indicate volume, but two interceptions and five sacks suggest breakdowns in timing and offensive line pass sets that will be scrutinized in the offseason.
The game also underscores the volatility introduced by the 12-team CFP field. Miami, a No. 10 seed that did not play for its conference title, now sits two wins away from a national championship game — and potentially playing that title game at home. For the broader landscape, the result will factor into recruiting narratives, coaching evaluations, and strategic adjustments among Power Five programs.
Looking ahead, Miami will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl’s SEC matchup (No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss) in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. That semifinal presents a different set of challenges: Georgia has recent national-title pedigree, while Ole Miss brings an explosive offense. Ohio State, meanwhile, will turn to offseason re-evaluation before opening the 2026 season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5.
Comparison & Data
| Team | Final | Key Passing | Top Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 24 | Carson Beck 19-26, 138 yards | Smith (Miami native) 7 rec, 157 yards |
| Ohio State | 14 | Julian Sayin 22-35, 287 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs | Jeremiah Smith TD |
The table highlights contrasting quarterback lines: Miami’s Beck was more efficient with fewer attempts, while Sayin generated higher yardage with more volume but committed two interceptions and absorbed five sacks. Miami’s 24 points were the highest total allowed by Ohio State this season, a sign that the Hurricanes successfully attacked a defense that had been stingy all year.
Reactions & Quotes
“I was full of emotions. … That was a pretty cool moment. Just having fun. … That’s what this team relies on — playing free and having fun.”
Keionte Scott, Miami defensive back
Scott described the interception return as an emotional high that reflected the team’s loose confidence. His scoring return gave Miami an early cushion and energized alumni and current players on the sideline.
“It is 100% not about me. I’m part of their team, I’m a part of that family. It is my obligation … to provide these guys with even better opportunities so they can fulfill all the great things they are destined for.”
Mario Cristobal, Miami head coach
Cristobal framed the win as a collective achievement tied to program history; he referenced his role as a former Hurricane and the broader mission of rebuilding Miami into a national contender.
“We worked really hard during the last three weeks leading up to this game … But at the end of the day, we didn’t get it done.”
Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
Ohio State coach Ryan Day emphasized preparation but conceded that the Buckeyes fell short on execution in key moments that determined the game.
Unconfirmed
- Any internal injuries sustained by Ohio State players during the game have not been fully disclosed by the teams and remain unconfirmed.
- Long-term roster impacts (transfers or departures) tied directly to this single game are speculative and not confirmed by official statements.
Bottom Line
Miami’s 24-14 win over Ohio State at the Cotton Bowl is a statement victory for a program that re-entered the CFP field as an at-large No. 10 seed. Key defensive plays and efficient offense combined to topple the defending champions and set up a Fiesta Bowl semifinal appearance on Jan. 8.
The result halts Ohio State’s bid to repeat and shifts offseason narratives for both programs: Miami can leverage the momentum and national attention, while Ohio State will need to address protection and turnover issues. For neutral observers, the game is another example of how the expanded playoff can produce high-stakes upsets and accelerate program trajectories.
Sources
- AP News (news organization)