Hurricanes stun defending champions with defensive prowess and timely offensive strikes, snatching victory and a semifinal berth.
Arlington, Texas - It was an exciting time in the college football world as the Miami Hurricanes stepped onto the field to face the defending champion, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals. After defeating the Texas A&M Aggies in the first round, with a final score of 10-3, it would certainly take a more-improved offensive outing to pull off a major upset.
The first quarter didn't start well for either side, especially after junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. fumbled the ball. It was a familiar situation as freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney lost the ball against the Aggies.
However, the Hurricanes' offense would begin to catch, after crossing down the field and quarterback Carson Beck finding Fletcher Jr. for a nine-yard touchdown to score the first points of the game. It was a great personal recovery for the Miami native.
There were no critical windy conditions this time, in which kicker Carter Davis was able to convert on the extra point. The score was 7-0 to start the second quarter. However, the intensity grew as Buckeyes sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin found sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 59-yard catch.
What appeared to be a rebuttal resulted in tragedy, following a sack from junior edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., redshirt senior cornerback Keionte Scott caught an interception and took it all the way back for 72 yards, adding to the Hurricanes' lead. After another good kick by Davis, the score was 14-0.
After a few punting drives, especially after a 15-yard catch by Smith, the offense would only get as good as field goal range. However, due to incomplete passes, senior kicker Jayden Fielding would miss from 49 yards, wide left. Twice, the defending champions have gotten clean drives but ended scoreless.
The score was 14-0 heading into halftime.
The Hurricanes' defense continues to come through with heroic moments, Scott's pick-six and three sacks between Bain Jr. and redshirt senior edge rusher Akheem Mesidor. The Buckeyes' offensive line hadn't found much success in containing them and Sayin hadn't responded to pressure too well.
However, to start the third quarter, they made a statement to let the college football world know that this wouldn't be a cakewalk. After a couple of explosive plays, such as an 18-yard rush from freshman running back Bo Jackson and a 23-yard deep pass caught by Smith, the Buckeyes would score their first touchdown of the game from Jackson.
It was important for the Hurricanes to respond and they got the job done, thanks to a 12-yard rush by Fletcher Jr during the drive. After a fumble recovery from Toney due to an awkward pass, it was good enough for Carter to add three more points to the scoreboard, but from 49 yards this time.
However, to start the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes' offense continued to catch fire, especially after a 22-yard catch from Smith, who later found the endzone to bring the score closer at 17-14.
After a few crucial stops, most notably a sack from senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, the Hurricanes were in control the rest of the game. With a couple of explosive plays, redshirt sophomore running back CharMar Brown found the endzone to cement the victory, with a final score of 24-14. They will advance to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Semifinals and face the winner between the Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels, who will play on Thursday, Jan. 1st, in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at New Orleans, Louisiana, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
Beck completed 19 of 26 passes, 73.1 percent, for 136 yards and one touchdown. Brown and Fletcher Jr. rushed for a combined 24 times for 116 yards, 146 yards total, and two total touchdowns.
The Hurricanes went from on the brink of missing the College Football Playoffs to advancing to the semifinals for the first-time ever in program history.
A fantastic way to start the New Year.
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