The landscape of college football was reshaped on a chilly evening at the Cotton Bowl as the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in recent history. In the very first College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal under the new expanded format, the Hurricanes didn’t just compete—they conquered, taking down the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in a 24-14 thriller.
From the opening kickoff, the energy in Arlington was electric. Ohio State entered the contest as the heavy favorite, boasting a roster deep with NFL talent and the pedigree of a reigning champion. However, Miami arrived with a chip on their shoulder and a defensive game plan that would eventually leave the Buckeyes searching for answers.
The Play That Defined the Night
While the game was a tactical battle for much of the first half, the momentum shifted permanently thanks to a singular, breathtaking defensive play. With Ohio State driving deep into Miami territory and looking to take a commanding lead, Keionte Scott stepped into the spotlight.
Scott jumped a short route, snatched a pass from the air, and found nothing but green grass ahead of him. His 72-yard interception return for a touchdown sent the Miami sideline into a frenzy and stunned the sea of scarlet and gray in the stands. It was a play that epitomized Miami’s opportunistic and aggressive defensive philosophy, providing the spark the Hurricanes needed to believe they could actually take down the giants.
Beck’s Steady Hand
On the offensive side of the ball, Carson Beck proved why he is considered one of the most poised quarterbacks in the nation. While the Hurricanes’ defense was busy stifling the Buckeyes, Beck remained efficient under pressure. He managed the game with veteran precision, avoiding costly turnovers and keeping the chains moving against a formidable Ohio State front.
The highlight of Beck’s night was a perfectly placed scoring pass that extended Miami’s lead and forced the Buckeyes out of their comfort zone. By maintaining a balanced attack, Beck allowed the Hurricanes to control the clock and keep the high-powered Ohio State offense on the sideline for crucial stretches of the second half.
A Defensive Masterclass
Holding a team like Ohio State to just 14 points is no small feat. The Hurricanes’ defensive front was relentless, consistently collapsing the pocket and disrupting the Buckeyes’ rhythm. Miami’s secondary, led by Scott’s heroics, played with a level of physicality and speed that seemed to catch the defending champions off guard.
As the clock ticked down to zero, the scoreboard read 24-14, confirming the impossible. The No. 10 seed had knocked off the No. 2 seed, ending Ohio State’s quest for a repeat and announcing Miami’s return to the national elite.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a historic milestone for the Miami program. By winning the first-ever CFP quarterfinal, the Hurricanes have not only secured a spot in the semifinals but have also sent a message to the rest of the field: rankings don’t matter in January.
For Ohio State, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, marking the end of a dominant era. For the Hurricanes and their fans, it is a night that will be remembered for decades—the night the “U” truly came back on the biggest stage of them all.