Miami Hurricanes Are No Fluke

Miami executed the biggest upset of the College Football Playoff on Wednesday, eliminating the two-seed Ohio State Buckeyes. It was an outstanding performance in the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes rode an elite defense en route to an impressive 24-14 victory.

First-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman had Ryan Day in hell. The Buckeyes' offense was limited to 45 net rushing yards. They went 3-10 on third down and punted on five occasions.

The biggest play was made by rising 2026 NFL Draft prospect Keionte Scott. The versatile defensive back read a telegraphed wide receiver screen pass and intercepted it for a 70-yard return pick-six touchdown. Scott, who has routinely been overlooked, gave the Hurricanes a stunning 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

Scott has been a lightning rod for the Hurricanes throughout the CFP. The former Auburn transfer registered 10 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in Miami's first-round victory over Texas A&M. Scott is playing himself into the top-50 conversation.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin went 22-of-35 for 287 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Sayin was also sacked five times against a Miami defense that had him in a constant state of disarray. Though Jeremiah Smith was his typical dominant self with seven receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown, Carnell Tate was limited to three receptions and 37 yards.

Miami defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor were consistently disruptive around the line of scrimmage. The pass-rushing duo wreaked havoc for a second consecutive playoff game. Ohio State's offensive line couldn't block them.

Once seen as a surefire top-five pick, there's been debate over Bain's true NFL draft value in recent weeks. Reported to possess historically short arms, a possible draft-day slide is already being discussed amidst reports of a potential position change from EDGE to inside. Bain didn't get the memo, as he was downright fantastic, notching a sack and multiple tackles for loss.

Mesidor has possibly been the best story on this Hurricanes defense. An undervalued prospect no more, the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada native is up to 10.5 sacks this season. Mesidor recorded five tackles and two sacks versus the Buckeyes.

On this rep, Mesidor records the sack on this successful stunt with Bain. Communication and execution were consistent problems for Ohio State's offensive line. Mesidor lived in the backfield.

The Hurricanes have advanced to the CFP semifinal on the back of consecutive elite defensive performances. They'll now await their opponent in the Fiesta Bowl with confidence. Critics may forget this defense allowed 25.3 points per contest in 2024.

Draft-eligible prospects like Bain, Scott, and Mesidor are playing high-quality football. Coach Hetherman has the defense firing on all cylinders. It's been a stunning transformation, one that could propel Miami to a National Championship in 2026.