Keionte Scott's defensive instincts paid off. He recognized the play, snagged a 72-yard pick-six, and secured Defensive Player of the Game honors against the Buckeyes.
The Miami Hurricanes' defense as a whole continues to come through with heroic moments in the College Football Playoffs. In the first round against the Texas A&M Aggies, edge rushing star duo Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. combined for 10 tackles, five solos and five assists, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. They were the biggest players up front, but it was Keionte Scott who stepped up from the secondary.
The redshirt senior recorded 10 total tackles, five solos and five assists, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. It was his first game back on the field after missing the last couple of weeks of the regular season due to a lower extremity injury.
Scott is regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, so the return of the 24-year-old was valuable. He played a critical role in the Hurricanes' victory against the Aggies, with a final score of 10-3, and advancing to the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals.
They matched up against the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes. However, after overcoming a hostile environment with difficult, windy conditions, the team was more than battle-ready. The extreme experience when facing the Aggies paid off as the Hurricanes dethroned them after a final score of 24-14.
The offense improved on its execution, but it was still the defense that won them the game. Bain Jr. and Mesidor continued to cause havoc at the line of scrimmage, combining for eight total tackles, six solos and two assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.
However, it was Scott who delivered a monster play, intercepting Buckeyes' sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin for a 72-yard touchdown.
Following the victory, the veteran was named the Defensive Player of the Game. He recalled the play being on film and reading it correctly.
"I think in the moment, with all the skill players on one side of the ball," Scott said. "Obviously, knew the ball was coming in that area. As soon as the tight end motioned, I confirmed in my head that I was going at that moment. Shot my shot, and the ball was in my hands."
It was a marvelous moment, especially for the Hurricanes' momentum the rest of the game. Now, they will await the winner between the Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday night, Jan. 1st, to learn more about who their opponent will be.
Regardless, it's a new era within the program.
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