BREAKING: The Miami Hurricanes have delivered a stunning upset, defeating the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, and securing their spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. This historic victory marks the largest upset in the playoff era, with Miami entering the game as 9.5-point underdogs.
The game took place in Arlington, Texas, where the 10th-ranked Hurricanes controlled the action from the outset, building a commanding 14-0 halftime lead. Miami’s performance shattered the previous record for the largest upset spread in playoff history, previously held by Ohio State when they defeated Alabama as 7.5-point underdogs in January 2015.
Ohio State attempted a comeback in the second half, with star running back Bo Jackson scoring a touchdown that narrowed the gap to 14-7. However, Miami responded decisively, with kicker Carter Davis nailing a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 14-yard touchdown pass, shrinking Miami’s lead to just 17-14. The tension in the stadium mounted as both teams vied for a decisive edge.
Miami’s resilience shone through in the final moments. Running backs Mark Fletcher and CharMar Brown orchestrated a methodical drive that culminated in a touchdown by Brown with just 55 seconds remaining. The defense of Ohio State faltered, allowing Brown to score without contest, giving Miami a commanding 24-14 lead.
Ohio State’s last possession ended in heartache as Sayin was pressured and threw an interception, sealing Miami’s historic victory. This loss marks a significant blow for Ohio State, while Miami celebrates a monumental achievement in their football history.
This game not only reshapes the playoff landscape but also revives Miami’s national prominence in college football. As fans and analysts alike process this shocking outcome, all eyes will now turn to how Miami will perform in the upcoming semifinals.
What’s next? Miami will face the winner of the upcoming matchup in the semifinals, with anticipation building for what could become a legendary postseason run. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
