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Miami is without a doubt a good team. In their losses and near loss, is there some common thread?   Miami's defense was elite overall, ranking top-10 nationally in yards per play allowed (~4.51) and total defense (~277-281 yards per game average), but opponents exceeded 275 yards in these games: Vs. Florida State (Win, 28-22): Allowed 404 yards (highest of the season; FSU had 272 passing + 132 rushing despite 3 turnovers). Vs. Louisville (Loss, 21-24): Allowed 367 yards, 248 passing.  Vs. SMU (Loss, 20-26 OT): Allowed 388 yards (including 365 passing yards). One additional game (likely a win against a lesser opponent or close contest) where yards allowed were in the 275-350 range, based on season totals and averages On Offense : Offensive Performance in the Loss to Louisville (21-24) Points Scored: 21 ( below season average ) Total Yards: 334 ( below season average ) Passing Yards: 271 (slightly above season average, but inefficient) Rushing Yards: 63 (well below seas...

  Ohio State’s Path to Victory Against Miami: Physicality, Pressure, and Patience The blueprint for beating Miami is no longer theoretical—it’s already been tested. Louisville and SMU both exposed the same vulnerabilities: disrupt Carson Beck with relentless pressure, eliminate the run game, and force Miami into a one-dimensional offense. Beck has shown a clear tendency to make mistakes under duress, particularly when interior pressure arrives early and often. Ohio State has the defensive personnel to turn that weakness into a decisive advantage. The Buckeyes’ defensive line is the most important unit in this matchup. By rotating fresh bodies and collapsing the pocket without over-blitzing, Ohio State can replicate—and exceed—the disruption that gave Miami problems earlier this season. Winning first down is critical. When Miami is forced into second- and third-and-long, their offense becomes predictable, allowing disguised coverages and late safety rotations to bait Beck into turno...

Quarterback Ohio State: Julian Sayin has been highly efficient, completing ~78% of passes for over 3,300 yards, 31 TDs, and low interceptions. Strong in big games against ranked opponents. Miami: Carson Beck (transfer) has thrown for ~3,175 yards at 8.5 YPA, 26 TDs, and 10 INTs, with a 74.3% completion rate. Capable of big plays but has shown inconsistency and focus issues in pressure situations. Edge: Ohio State – More consistent and efficient production. Running Back Ohio State: Bo Jackson leads with ~950 rushing yards; committee approach with solid depth (e.g., James Peoples, CJ Donaldson). Miami: Mark Fletcher Jr. is the primary back (~685 yards), highlighted by explosive performances like 172 yards on 17 carries vs. Texas A&M in the first-round playoff win. Edge: Slight to Miami – Fletcher provides more big-play threat, though Ohio State has better depth. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Ohio State: Elite group led by Jeremiah Smith (~942 yards) and Carnell Tate (~793 yards), conside...

: 2003 left many Hurricane fans with a bitter taste that has yearned for redemption ever since.   Miami entered the game on a 34-game winning streak, having won the previous season's championship   2003 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl , the designated BCS National Championship for the 2002 season, in a dramatic double-overtime thriller, 31-24, securing their first consensus national title in 34 years and ending Miami's 34-game winning streak. The game, played January 3, 2003, is famous for its controversial pass interference call in overtime that helped set up the Buckeyes' winning score.   2002:  Lost National Championship to Ohio State. 2005:  9-3, finished #2 in ACC Coastal. 2017:  10-3, won ACC Coastal, lost ACC Championship. 2024:  10-3, finished 3rd in ACC with a strong showing.   Miami went from a perennial national title contender to a good-to-very-good ACC program that hasn't quite reached the heights of the 80s and 90s, though recent seasons ...