The Miami Hurricanes have slipped up twice this season. Why did they happen, and can the Buckeyes repeat it?
The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic with two losses on their resume, and both were very ugly games for the Hurricanes.
In the middle of October, the Hurricanes went into Louisville on a Friday night looking to move to a perfect 6-0 on the year. At the time, Miami was the No. 2 team in the country and were very much in the conversation to be considered one of the great teams in college football, alongside Ohio State.
That game was a brisk Friday night, and it couldn't have gone worse for the Hurricanes. They fell by a final score of 24-21 to notch their first loss of the year.
How did it happen?
This loss was very simply all on quarterback Carson Beck. The veteran gunslinger had one of those games where he was "seeing ghosts," which led to him throwing a total of four interceptions on the night. His last one came on what was looking like the game-tying drive. He was horrid on that night, and it cost the Hurricanes their perfect record.
Just a few short weeks later, the Hurricanes had a chance to avenge the loss and punch their ticket to the ACC Championship game if they beat the SMU Mustangs in Dallas, TX.
Well, the turnover bug went south with Beck, and yet again, he costed the Hurricanes a chance at a win.
Beck finished the game with two interceptions on the night, the second one was in overtime when the 'Canes had the first possession, and they worked it down the five-yard line looking to score. Beck dropped back to pass and threw his second interception of the game, ending the Hurricanes' chances the win.
When Miami plays well, it's behind the arm of Beck. When they struggle, it is because he struggles and takes a major part in the Hurricanes' shortcomings.
So, what does this mean for the Buckeyes? Simply put, make Beck uncomfortable all night long.
Ohio State's offense has an opportunity to get ahead and force Miami into chase mode. If Miami is in a position where they are chasing the Buckeyes, it will be open season for Ohio State's pass rush and their defensive backs.
The major strength of Ohio State's defense is their ability to condense a pocket and pressure the quarterback. Arvell Reese, Caden Curry, and Kenyatta Jackson condense the pocket from the outside, and the interior, led by Kayden McDonald, don't allow a quarterback to escape.
When that happens, and a quarterback gets sped up, it allows for the Ohio State secondary to make big plays in the pass game.
Beck and the Hurricanes are susceptible to turning the ball over, and the Buckeyes can make it a long evening for them. If Beck starts to turn the football over, it is going to be a very long night for Miami.