Nothing came easy for the Miami Hurricanes this season, especially after the two mid-season losses, but Akheem Mesidor was able to overcome his own battles during that difficult moment.
It's officially game day as the Miami Hurricanes prepare to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals. It sets a new mark within program history, especially since this is their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoffs. However, the journey of making the 12-team bracket wasn't easy.
After losing to the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs in the span of three weeks, there were questions about whether the Hurricanes were capable of overcoming the obstacle set in front of them. Edge rushing star Akheem Mesidor wasn't sure how to feel about the situation.
"As soon as we lost the game [against SMU], I went into the bathroom," he said. "I just sat there for 15 minutes, not knowing what to think. 'Is our season over? What's next? What are we fighting for? What am I fighting for?' Obviously, that wasn't the case and we're here, but I did have mixed feelings. I didn't know what to think after that game."
The Hurricanes responded tremendously, finishing the regular season with a dominant four-game winning streak. Mesidor recorded 16 total tackles, 10 solos and six assists, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks during that much-needed span.
Of course, the goal wasn't only to make the College Football Playoffs, but compete for a National Championship. The journey didn't start easily, facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in the first-round, a notorious hostile environment. Despite struggles offensively and missed field goals due to difficult windy conditions, the defense came through with heroic moments.
The Hurricanes stood tall, with a final score of 10-3. Mesidor played a critical role in the team's success, recording five combined tackles, one solo and four assists, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and creating 11 quarterback pressures, the second-most in a single game in College Football Playoff history.
Mesidor alluded to his love for playing at Kyle Field and "silencing" the "12th man." However, given the fact that the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals will be played in a neutral environment, that hostility might not necessarily be there this time. Regardless, it's a great opportunity for the 24-year-old to end his collegiate career on a high note, cement his legacy among Hurricane greats, and build his NFL draft stock, despite already being projected as a high first-round pick.
It's going to be an excellent showdown tonight at Arlington, Texas, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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