Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal Will Be Decided in the Trenches: Miami’s Rush vs. Ohio State’s Line

Despite a 9.5-point line, Miami’s defensive front is viewed as the one edge that could tilt the game.

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith catches a pass in front of Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Image

Overview

  • Ohio State and Miami meet in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal on Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a domed venue.
  • Analysts single out Miami’s defensive line against Ohio State’s offensive front as the pivotal matchup that could create an upset path.
  • Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor fueled Miami’s plan with disruptive tape against Texas A&M, and Ohio State has faced right-side protection questions since the Indiana loss.
  • Ohio State counters with an elite passing attack led by Heisman finalist Julian Sayin (3,323 yards, 31 TDs) and top receiver Jeremiah Smith (1,086 yards, 11 TDs).
  • The Buckeyes bring a top-five run defense, while Miami keeps kicker Carter Davis as the starter after three misses against Texas A&M, with the dome expected to neutralize weather issues.