Ohio State Opens Title Defense Against Miami in Cotton Bowl Classic
ARLINGTON, Texas — As the College Football Playoff intensifies, the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to begin their national title defense against the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday night. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium, marks a pivotal moment for Ohio State as they seek to replicate last season’s championship success.
Ohio State, boasting a 12-1 record and the No. 2 seed in the playoff, earned a first-round bye, allowing the team valuable rest and preparation time. Their path contrasts with last year’s run, when the Buckeyes entered as the No. 6 seed and powered through a dominant 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the opening round to build momentum toward their title.
Miami, seeded No. 10 with a 10-2 record, arrives at the Cotton Bowl on the heels of a gritty upset over No. 7 Texas A&M. In a defensive battle at Kyle Field, the Hurricanes secured a 10-3 victory, marking their first-ever win in the College Football Playoff. Miami’s defense was particularly formidable, registering nine sacks and stifling the Aggies’ offense. Defensive standout Rueben Bain Jr., a potential first-round NFL draft pick, led the charge with three sacks and four tackles for loss. Keionte Scott also made a significant impact with 10 tackles, including two sacks.
Quarterback Carson Beck managed the game efficiently for Miami, completing 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards and a crucial touchdown late in the fourth quarter. His connection with Malachi Toney on an 11-yard touchdown pass gave Miami the lead they would not relinquish.
Ohio State’s journey to the Cotton Bowl was less straightforward. The Buckeyes suffered a narrow 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten championship game, a setback that ended their conference title hopes but did not derail their playoff ambitions. With the bye week, Ohio State has had time to regroup and focus on Miami’s aggressive defense.
The matchup between Ohio State and Miami rekindles a competitive rivalry, with both teams familiar with high-pressure games. The Buckeyes will rely heavily on quarterback Julian Sayin, who has been a steady presence throughout the season. Sayin’s leadership and ability to execute under pressure will be critical against Miami’s relentless pass rush.
This quarterfinal contest is part of the broader College Football Playoff structure overseen by the College Football Playoff organization, which annually determines the national champion through a series of seeded matchups. The Cotton Bowl Classic, hosted at the iconic AT&T Stadium, has become a marquee venue for playoff games, drawing significant national attention.
Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching this game as a barometer for both programs’ championship aspirations. Miami’s defensive prowess and recent playoff breakthrough pose a stiff challenge, while Ohio State’s championship pedigree and balanced offense make them formidable contenders.
For more on the College Football Playoff and game schedules, visit the NCAA official football page. Updates and detailed game analysis will also be available through the ESPN College Football section. As the Buckeyes and Hurricanes prepare to clash, the nation’s eyes will be on Arlington to witness the next chapter in college football’s thrilling postseason.
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