Early Ohio State vs Miami predictions for CFP quarterfinal round
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It will be a postseason rematch for Ohio State.
Nearly a quarter-century after the Buckeyes upset Miami to take home the BCS national championship, they will meet in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The Hurricanes’ 10-3 win at Texas A&M on Dec. 20 set the stage for the matchup in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.
Mark Fletcher Jr., a junior running back who was once committed to Ohio State, had a career-high 172 rushing yards, including a run of 56 yards on its game-winning touchdown drive, to help Miami justify its place in the playoff after being one of the more controversial selections.
The Hurricanes got the final at-large berth after jumping over Notre Dame in the final rankings. While Miami had a win over the Irish during the first week, it had been behind them in each of the selection committee’s previous rankings.
After earning the No. 2 seed in the 12-team bracket, the Buckeyes had a bye during the first round, leaving them idle this weekend as they awaited their opponent.
Ohio State vs. Miami prediction
Despite heavy roster attrition, the Buckeyes have maintained the best defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision. They enter the playoff on a historic pace, allowing just 8.2 points per game, the fewest since Alabama in 2011. And it portends trouble for the Hurricanes who did not reach the end zone until freshman receiver Malachi Toney scored the game-winning touchdown on a sweep with less than two minutes left. Miami’s pass rush could cause trouble after sacking Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed seven times, especially after quarterback Julian Sayin was under increased duress in the Big Ten championship, but it’s too limited on the offensive side of the ball to be enough of a threat.
Ohio State vs. Miami score prediction
Ohio State 24, Miami 10.
When does Ohio State play Miami in College Football Playoff?
The Buckeyes will face the Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. ET Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Ohio State vs. Miami tickets
You can find College Football Playoff tickets for Ohio State vs. Miami on StubHub.
College Football Playoff bracket 2025-26 dates
- First round: Dec. 19 and 20
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
- Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
- National championship: Jan. 19
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow along on Bluesky, Instagram and X for more.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs Miami College Football Playoff predictions
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