Miami Hurricanes Prepare for Ohio State Showdown in Cotton Bowl
The Miami Hurricanes are gearing up for their biggest challenge of the season as they face the highly-favored Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Coming off a defensive masterclass in their first-round game—where they held Texas A&M to just three points in a narrow 10-3 victory—the Hurricanes now find themselves in an unfamiliar position as significant underdogs. The current point spread has Miami at a 9.5-point disadvantage, making them the largest underdog of any team in the semifinal round. Despite the external perception, head coach Mario Cristobal has maintained his characteristic focus on preparation rather than narratives, dismissing the underdog label as irrelevant to how his team approaches the game.
“I don’t place value or strategic changes as it relates to a term like ‘underdog’ or ‘favorite.’ It’s never been a part of the process,” Cristobal explained during his pre-game press conference. “Our message has been consistent the entire year on how we approach our opponents. We’re very process-oriented. We’re very intense and very intentional in how we approach every single opponent, and this one is one that we approach in the same manner.” This steadfast philosophy has served Miami well throughout the season, helping them bounce back from unexpected setbacks to reach this pivotal moment in the College Football Playoff.
When speaking about their formidable opponent, Cristobal didn’t shy away from acknowledging Ohio State’s elite talent. He specifically highlighted standout receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, noting they’re “complemented by a great offensive line and great running game.” The coach also paid respect to Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin, describing him as “the most efficient quarterback in the country” and a recent Heisman contender. This level of talent across the board makes Ohio State one of the most complete teams in the country, presenting a multi-dimensional challenge for Miami’s defense that excelled against Texas A&M but now faces a significant step up in offensive firepower.
The Hurricanes’ journey to this semifinal matchup has been marked by resilience and quality wins that validated their inclusion in the College Football Playoff. With just two losses on their record—both to unranked opponents in Louisville and SMU, and both by margins of six points or fewer—Miami has proven they can compete with anyone. Their resume includes impressive victories over several ranked teams, most notably a statement win against No. 6 Notre Dame, along with triumphs over South Florida, Florida State, and Pittsburgh. The first-round victory against Texas A&M in hostile territory further demonstrated that this Miami team belongs among college football’s elite, regardless of what oddsmakers might suggest.
What makes this Cotton Bowl matchup particularly intriguing is the contrast in program trajectories. Ohio State represents the established powerhouse of college football, a program accustomed to championship expectations every season. Miami, on the other hand, symbolizes a storied program in the midst of a resurgence under Cristobal’s leadership, fighting to reclaim their place among the sport’s elite after years of inconsistency. The Hurricanes now have a golden opportunity to accelerate that revival with a statement win against one of the nation’s premier programs, though doing so will require their most complete performance of the season against a team with few apparent weaknesses.
True to form, Cristobal has kept his specific game plan and motivational tactics close to the vest. When asked what message he delivered to his team ahead of this crucial semifinal, he maintained the privacy that has characterized his coaching style. “Our messaging always takes place behind closed doors, and we like to keep it that way,” he said, “but certainly we progressed a lot as a program, and these guys have worked really hard to keep earning that progress, and now we find ourselves with an opportunity in the College Football Playoffs, so we’re really excited.” As New Year’s Eve approaches, the nation will be watching to see if Miami can defy expectations once again and continue their remarkable season against an Ohio State team that represents perhaps their toughest test yet.
