The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes stunning 24-14 victory over the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic was a defining moment of the 2025 college football season, marking the biggest upset in CFP history based on betting lines. The win was a result of superior execution, physicality in the trenches, and opportunistic playmaking, ending Ohio State’s hopes for back-to-back national titles. Here are four key takeaways from the Hurricanes’ program-defining win.
Four Key Takeaways From Miami’s Statement Upset of Ohio State
1. Dominance at the Line of Scrimmage
The narrative all season for Ohio State had been its statistically top-ranked defense and a powerful offense with elite skill players. However, against Miami, the Buckeyes’ offensive line was consistently outmatched, especially in the first half. Miami’s defensive line duo of Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. generated constant pressure on quarterback Julian Sayin, combining for three sacks and multiple tackles for loss.
Miami’s ability to control the line of scrimmage held Ohio State to just 45 rushing yards total for the game, a critical factor in stifling the Buckeyes’ offense. This physical dominance set the tone early and forced Ohio State into uncomfortable, pass-heavy situations, where the Miami pass rush thrived.
2. Opportunistic, Game-Changing Turnovers
The single most impactful play of the game came early in the second quarter when Miami defensive back Keionte Scott intercepted a quick screen pass from Sayin and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving Miami a commanding 14-0 lead. This pick-six was a significant momentum swing that the Buckeyes could not fully recover from, despite attempting a second-half rally. Miami’s defense forced another interception in the final minute to seal the win, showcasing a knack for making big plays when the game was on the line. The Buckeyes’ offense gifted Miami seven points, which proved to be the difference in the final score.
3. Beck’s Efficient and Clutch Performance
While Ohio State’s Sayin threw for more yards (287), Miami quarterback Carson Beck played a clean, efficient game, avoiding major mistakes and making clutch plays. Beck completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown, but more importantly, he did not turn the ball over and made critical scrambles with his legs to extend drives. His ability to manage the game, especially in the fourth quarter, allowed Miami to orchestrate a game-sealing touchdown drive that bled the clock and put the game out of reach with less than a minute remaining.
4. The “U” is Officially Back
Beyond the immediate result, this upset carries immense symbolic weight. By defeating the defending national champions, Miami has made a powerful statement that the program is ready to reclaim its spot among college football’s elite. For years, the 2002 national championship game loss to Ohio State loomed large over the program, but this win helps close that chapter and inaugurates a new era under coach Mario Cristobal.
The victory, Miami’s sixth in a row, sends the Hurricanes to the CFP semifinals for the first time in program history, proving they belong on the national stage after sneaking into the tournament as a No. 10 seed.
Final Thoughts
It was a rough end of the season for Ohio State after losing the Big Ten Championship to the Indiana Hoosiers and then failing to win a playoff game, but there is no doubt that they will come back as strong as ever. Elite wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has at least one more year left and Sayin will only continue to improve. As for Miami, they await the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between the Ole Miss Rebels and Georgia Bulldogs. This makes a potential matchup between Beck and his former team a very real possibility.
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