At a Glance
- Miami Hurricanes upset Ohio State 24-14 at Cotton Bowl
- Keionte Scott’s 72-yard interception return for a touchdown
- Victory propels Miami to Fiesta Bowl and a national title chase
Why it matters: The win ends Ohio State’s title hopes and gives Miami a path to the championship game.
In a dramatic College Football Playoff quarterfinal, the Miami Hurricanes routed the defending champions Ohio State 24-14 at the Cotton Bowl, setting the stage for a Fiesta Bowl showdown.
Game Highlights
The Hurricanes took an early lead when Keionte Scott intercepted a quick screen from Julian Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving Miami a 14-0 advantage with 11:49 left in the first half. Carson Beck‘s 9-yard pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. extended the lead, and Fletcher’s 19 carries for 90 yards kept the offense moving. Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin finished 22-of-35 for 287 yards, two interceptions, and a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith, but the Buckeyes were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Key Player Stats
- Keionte Scott – 1 interception, 72-yard return TD
- Carson Beck – 19-of-26 passes, 138 yards, 1 TD
- Mark Fletcher Jr. – 19 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD
- Julian Sayin – 22-of-35 passes, 287 yards, 2 INT, 1 TD
- Jeremiah Smith – 7 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD
- Carter Davis – 49-yard field goal
- ChaMar Brown – 5-yard rushing TD
What Comes Next
Miami will face either Georgia or Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, while Ohio State will open the 2026 season at home against Ball State on September 5. The Hurricanes’ win also ends their six-game winning streak that began after an overtime loss at SMU on November 1.
Key Takeaways
- Miami’s 24-point performance was the most the Buckeyes have allowed all season.
- The victory eliminates Ohio State’s chance for back-to-back titles.
- The win sends Miami to the national championship game in their home stadium.
With the playoff win, the Hurricanes have secured a spot in the College Football Playoff’s final four, bringing the possibility of a national title back to Miami after a 25-year drought.
