Overview
- Ohio State’s availability report lists 12 players with four out, including freshman WR Quincy Porter, and right guard Tegra Tshabola is doubtful as Gabe VanSickle and Joshua Padilla prepare to fill in.
- Miami reports DB Damari Brown, LB Malik Bryant and WR Daylyn Upshaw out, with DL Donta Simpson Jr. doubtful ahead of the quarterfinal in Arlington.
- Oddsmakers have Ohio State around a 9.5-point favorite after opening at 8.5, with the winner advancing to the Fiesta Bowl to face Georgia or Ole Miss.
- Analysts spotlight Miami’s defensive front—featuring Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor—after seven sacks vs. Texas A&M, as the key to disrupting QB Julian Sayin.
- Ohio State brings the nation’s top scoring defense (about 8.2 points allowed per game) into a clash where protecting Sayin proved pivotal after five sacks allowed in the Big Ten title loss.