Game time: TV info, odds, keys to No. 10 Miami at No. 2 Ohio State
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No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio State
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 6:30 p.m. local time
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: ESPN
Coaches: Mario Cristobal 33-18 at UM, (95-78 overall); Ryan Day 82–11 at Ohio State
Line: Ohio State is favored by 9.5 points
Weather: Indoor stadium
Quick slant: Miami is coming off a low-scoring win over Texas A&M where its offense struggled but its defense dominated. Ohio State watched that game from home, having earned a bye after an undefeated regular season.
About No. 10 Miami (11-2): The Hurricanes are breaking new ground for the program with each win. Not only is this Miami’s first time in the playoff, it’s also their first time in a major bowl game since the 2017 Orange Bowl. UM will have to stay focused despite all the hoopla around the game.
About No. 2 Ohio State (12-1): The Buckeyes spent nearly the whole season at No. 1 in the polls and playoff rankings. Their only loss this season has come at the hands of Indiana, which beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Three things to watch
1. Can the Hurricanes contain the dynamic receiver duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate? The two star receivers provide quarterback Julian Sayin with two elite options in the passing game. Smith, a South Florida native, and Tate were both banged up late in the season, but they are healthy now. If the Hurricanes can’t keep a lid on the Buckeyes’ passing game, they will be playing catch-up all night.
2. The Hurricanes will have to get star wide receiver Malachi Toney involved in the passing game again. Texas A&M did a good job neutralizing his explosive ability, and Toney ended the first-round game with 22 receiving yards — 12 of which came on a quick from Carson Beck that resulted in the winning touchdown. Without Toney, the Miami offense scuffled. The Hurricanes need to get him in space.
3. Miami will need its offensive line to keep putting up solid performances. Ohio State edge rusher Caden Curry has excelled, racking up 11 sacks this season. UM kept Texas A&M’s All-American defensive end, Cashius Howell, in check in the first round. The tougher test may be slowing down Buckeyes All-American defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who is among the nation’s best run-stopping defensive linemen.
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