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Miami Stuns Ohio State 24-14 in Cotton Bowl to Reach CFP Semifinals

A swarming defense featuring five sacks plus a 72-yard pick-six sends the Hurricanes to a Fiesta Bowl semifinal.

Overview

  • Keionte Scott jumped a screen for a 72-yard interception return that put Miami up 14-0 in the first half and flipped momentum.
  • Ohio State managed just 45 rushing yards as Julian Sayin was pressured throughout, finishing 22-of-35 for 287 yards with two interceptions and five sacks.
  • Carson Beck went 19-of-26 for 138 yards and a touchdown, Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 90 yards, and CharMar Brown sealed it with a 5-yard score with 55 seconds left.
  • Minutes before kickoff, Ohio State ruled out starting guard Tegra Tshabola, with redshirt freshman Gabe VanSickle stepping in at right guard against Miami’s aggressive front.
  • Ryan Day said he takes responsibility for the slow start, as the loss extends the first-round bye skid to 0-5 under the 12-team format and sends Miami to face Georgia or Ole Miss on Jan. 8 at the Fiesta Bowl.