Miami Delivers Upset Against Ohio State 24-14; Scott’s 72-Yard Pick-Six Secures Victory

In a remarkable upset, the Miami Hurricanes triumphed over the defending national champions, Ohio State Buckeyes, with a score of 24-14 during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal held at the Cotton Bowl. A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Miami’s Keionte Scott intercepted a screen pass from Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, streaking 72 yards untouched for a touchdown.

Scott’s sensational pick-six gave Miami an early 14-0 lead, igniting excitement among fans and energizing the team. This marked Scott’s second interception returned for a touchdown this season, demonstrating his skill in generating crucial turnovers.

Quarterback Carson Beck played a significant role, completing 19 out of 26 passes for 138 yards. He connected with Mark Fletcher Jr. for a touchdown, with Fletcher earning the offensive MVP title after rushing 19 times for 90 yards. Beck’s string of 13 consecutive completions set a new Cotton Bowl record, highlighting Miami’s offensive efficiency.

With a season record of 12-2 and a 10th seed in the CFP, Miami has now secured six consecutive victories following a narrow overtime loss to SMU. After advancing as an at-large team, the Hurricanes are set to compete in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, facing either No. 3 Georgia or No. 6 Ole Miss.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Miami's quest for a national championship, aiming for their first title since 2001, when current head coach Mario Cristobal was part of the team. Cristobal, now in his fourth season, has emphasized that the team's strength lies in unity and legacy over individual achievements.

Ohio State, ranked third and entering the game as a 9.5-point favorite, struggled to counter Miami’s robust offense. Freshman quarterback Sayin passed for 287 yards, but faced two interceptions and five sacks. Ohio State's offense was limited to just 14 points, their lowest output this season.

Miami's defense secured crucial turnovers and held Ohio State off the scoreboard for prolonged periods. Safety Caleb Downs etched his name in the record books by forcing two fumbles, underscoring Miami's defensive resilience despite Ohio State’s challenges.

With this victory, Miami continues its resurgence on the national stage, aspiring to capture a championship title on home soil and break a two-decade title drought.