Miami Upsets Ohio State 24-14; Scott’s 72-Yard Pick-Six Secures Victory

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a thrilling College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, the Miami Hurricanes surprised the defending national champions, Ohio State Buckeyes, clinching a 24-14 victory. The pivotal moment came courtesy of Keionte Scott, who intercepted a screen pass from Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and sprinted 72 yards for a touchdown.

Scott's electrifying play set the tone early, putting Miami ahead 14-0 and energizing the crowd. This marked the second time this season that Scott returned an interception for a touchdown, showcasing his defensive skills and knack for game-changing moments.

Quarterback Carson Beck was instrumental to the victory, completing 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards. He connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. for a touchdown, with Fletcher earning game MVP honors after a 90-yard rushing performance on 19 carries. Beck's impressive run of 13 consecutive completions established a new Cotton Bowl record, highlighting Miami's efficient play.

Currently seeded 10th in the CFP and boasting a 12-2 record, the Hurricanes have been on a six-game winning streak following a narrow overtime loss to SMU. After earning their playoff spot as an at-large team, Miami advances to the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. They will face either No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss, who will compete in the Sugar Bowl.

This win is a significant stride towards claiming a national championship, the first since 2001, during coach Mario Cristobal's player days. Now in his fourth season, Cristobal emphasized the team’s success is rooted in unity and a desire to honor legacy over personal accolades.

Ohio State, ranked third and seeded second in the playoffs, came into the game as a 9.5-point favorite, but the Buckeyes struggled against Miami's balanced offense. Freshman quarterback Sayin managed to throw for 287 yards but faced two interceptions and was sacked five times. Ohio State's offense was limited to just 14 points, marking their lowest scoring game this season.

Miami’s defense executed critical turnovers and contained Ohio State effectively, limiting their score for extensive periods. Notably, safety Caleb Downs made history by causing two fumbles in a single CFP game, underscoring Miami's defensive efforts despite the Buckeyes' loss.

With this win, Miami's resurgence on the national football stage continues, setting their sights on a championship title on home soil and striving to end a two-decade drought.