Miami Hurricanes Make History with Upset Victory Over Ohio State
In an electrifying game at the Cotton Bowl, the Miami Hurricanes shocked the defending national champions, Ohio State, with a 24-14 victory in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The standout moment came from Keionte Scott, who dashed 72 yards for a touchdown after intercepting a screen pass from Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.
Scott’s exhilarating run drew cheers not only from fans but also from former legends of the Hurricanes, including Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin. “I was full of emotions,” Scott shared. “Just having fun. That’s what this team is all about.”
After not qualifying for their conference championship, Miami (12-2) secured an at-large spot in the playoff and has now won two games to reach the final four. The road ahead leads to a semifinal matchup against either Georgia or Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8.
This win marks an important moment for Miami, which hasn’t held a national title since 2001—when current coach Mario Cristobal was a player. Cristobal expressed his commitment to providing the current players the opportunities he once had. “It’s about the team. I want to help them achieve greatness,” he said.
Quarterback Carson Beck, a key player for Ohio State, highlighted Miami’s resilience. “They responded well to adversity,” he noted, pointing out that the game was challenging from the start.
Statistically, Miami’s victory was notable. They scored 24 points—more than Ohio State has allowed in any game this season. Additionally, Miami’s running back Mark Fletcher Jr. shone as the game’s MVP, with a touchdown and 90 rushing yards.
As for the players on the other side, Sayin ended with 287 passing yards but faced a tough Miami defense, which sacked him five times. “Every team goes through challenges, but we need to learn and adapt,” Sayin acknowledged after the game.
This impressive victory has reignited excitement among Hurricanes fans, reflecting a potential resurgence of the program after years of ups and downs. The journey continues, and fans are hopeful that Miami can secure its place back atop college football.
