Key Points:
- Miami upsets defending champion Ohio State 24–14 to reach the CFP semifinals
- Hurricanes’ defense and balanced offense controlled key moments
- The win highlights unpredictability in the expanded 12-team playoff format
The 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season as the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes toppled defending national champion Ohio State 24–14 at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Miami controlled the game early and never relinquished momentum, earning a spot in the CFP semifinals for only the second time in program history.
Miami opened the scoring with a balanced attack that kept Ohio State off balance. The Hurricanes’ defense disrupted nearly every facet of the Buckeyes’ offense, recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Their pressure made it difficult for Ohio State to establish any rhythm, especially in the first half when Miami built a two-score advantage.
A defining moment came when Miami’s senior defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. The score extended Miami’s lead and energized fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Senior quarterback Carson Beck also set a new Cotton Bowl record by completing 13 consecutive passes, showcasing Miami’s efficient passing attack.
Ohio State battled back in the second half, narrowing the margin with a touchdown early in the third quarter and a field goal that kept the score within reach. The Buckeyes relied more heavily on their passing game but could not overcome Miami’s defensive intensity down the stretch. Turnovers and Miami’s sustained drives ultimately sealed the Buckeyes’ fate.
Miami’s rushing game played a crucial role in controlling the clock and maintaining momentum. The Hurricanes outgained Ohio State on the ground, which allowed them to drain time and keep the Buckeyes’ potent offense off the field. Miami’s ability to blend effective running with precise passing gave Ohio State fits throughout the night.
For Ohio State, the loss ends its title defense and bows out of the playoff earlier than expected. The Buckeyes finished the season 12–2 and struggled to match Miami’s intensity, especially on defense. While Ohio State managed moments of success, it lacked the consistency needed to overcome the Hurricanes’ balanced attack and disruptive front seven.
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Miami’s win carries broader implications for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. As a No. 10 seed, Miami proves that lower-seeded teams can make deep runs with resilience and opportunistic play. Their victory over a top-ranked opponent underscores the unpredictable nature of the playoff setup and highlights the importance of momentum and matchup dynamics.
Heading into the semifinals, Miami will face a tough opponent in the Fiesta Bowl, where they will meet the winner of the Georgia vs. Ole Miss quarterfinal. That matchup promises another high-stakes contest as Miami seeks its first national title since 2001.
Fans from both teams packed AT&T Stadium for the Cotton Bowl, and the atmosphere reflected the high stakes of the playoff game. The Hurricanes’ win will likely invigorate their fan base and amplify interest in college football’s evolving postseason landscape.
As the CFP semifinals approach, Miami’s confidence is high following its signature win. Ohio State, meanwhile, faces a period of reflection after its unexpected playoff exit. Both programs remain among college football’s elite, but Miami’s Cotton Bowl victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2025 season.
