No. 2 Ohio State and No. 10 Miami are set to face off in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This matchup marks the first meeting since 2011, with a storied history that includes their clash in the 2002 BCS national championship. The Buckeyes emerged victorious in that game, further intensifying the rivalry.
Ohio State’s Journey to the Quarterfinals
Ohio State enters the quarterfinals with a record of 12-1. The team spent most of the season at the top of the AP poll, securing the No. 1 ranking after defeating then-No. 1 Texas in their opening game. The Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated, with significant victories over Illinois and Michigan.
However, their only setback came during the Big Ten Championship. A 13-10 loss to Indiana cost them a projected No. 1 seed in the playoff and ended their chase for the first conference title since 2020. Despite this, the Buckeyes retained a high ranking, showcasing their strength throughout the season.
Key Players
- Julian Sayin: Heisman finalist quarterback, leading the nation with a completion percentage of 78.4%.
- Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate: Dynamic receiving duo, known for making significant contributions to the offense.
- Defense: Ranked first nationally, allowing an average of 213.5 yards per game and only 10 touchdowns.
- Four All-Big Ten Selections: Highlighting the team’s strong defensive presence, the most in the conference.
Miami’s College Football Playoff Push
Miami holds an impressive 11-2 record and has been riding high after defeating Texas A&M 10-3. This victory marked the Hurricanes’ first-ever win in the College Football Playoff. The pivotal moment came when defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald secured a game-clinching interception.
The defense was a standout, forcing three turnovers and recording seven sacks against Texas A&M. Star defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, posting three sacks and a blocked field goal.
Offensive Highlights
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: The running back rushed for a career-high 172 yards, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
- Malachi Toney: The freshman scored the game-winning touchdown after overcoming an early-game error.
Looking Ahead
Miami’s win over Texas A&M displayed their resilience, showcasing the ability to secure victories without high scoring. Their scoring average of 34.6 points in three ranked wins during the early season provides optimism heading into this challenging matchup against Ohio State.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes battle, fans can expect an exciting game featuring top-tier talent and critical defensive strategies. The quarterfinal matchup between Ohio State and Miami promises to be a memorable clash in college football history.
