Overview
- Miami beat defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, becoming the first double-digit seed to reach the CFP semifinals in the 12-team era.
- Quarterback Carson Beck went 19-of-26 for 138 yards with one touchdown and 23 rushing yards, delivering efficient, mistake-free play against an elite defense.
- A short third-and-4 screen to CJ Daniels with 1:53 left secured a crucial first down and set up CharMar Brown’s clinching touchdown.
- Postgame, Beck said he was “blacked out” during the fourth quarter and described 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. days in the facility, a remark that prompted fan questions about class time.
- Miami advances to the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona to face No. 6 Ole Miss, and Beck enters the semifinal after previously winning two national titles as Georgia’s backup.