COTTON BOWL The Miami Hurricanes continue to be one of college football’s most frustrating programs
Defending national champion Ohio State returns to the Cotton Bowl for the third straight season, continuing a dominant postseason run under Ryan Day. Meanwhile, Miami arrives in Texas for the second time in just over a week after winning its College Football Playoff debut at Texas A&M.
Both teams touched down in North Texas on Sunday, setting the stage for a high‑stakes New Year’s Eve CFP quarterfinal — the first of the four playoff games this season.
Ohio State enters the matchup at 12–1, still processing its narrow 13–10 loss to No. 1 Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. Despite the setback, the Buckeyes secured the No. 2 seed and a first‑round bye, giving them time to regroup and refocus.
Cornerback Lorenzo Styles summed up the team’s mindset: “We had to take a step back because that loss kind of hurt… but everything we want is still in front of us.”
A Rivalry Rooted in Decades of High‑Drama Matchups
This Cotton Bowl isn’t just a playoff game — it’s the next chapter in one of college football’s most dramatic, emotionally charged cross‑conference rivalries.
1977: The First Meeting — A Defensive Battle
Miami’s first trip to Columbus in 1977 ended in a 10–0 Ohio State victory, giving the Buckeyes an early edge in the all‑time series.
1999 Kickoff Classic: Miami Strikes Back
More than 20 years later, Miami evened the series with a 23–12 win in the Kickoff Classic at the Meadowlands, signaling the Hurricanes’ rise as a national powerhouse.
2003 Fiesta Bowl: One of the Most Iconic Games Ever Played
The programs’ most famous clash came in the 2003 BCS National Championship, where Ohio State stunned the heavily favored Hurricanes 31–24 in double overtime.
The game featured the unforgettable Maurice Clarett “steal” — a moment etched into college football lore. After a Miami interception, Clarett chased down Sean Taylor, stripped the ball, and preserved OSU’s title hopes. The Buckeyes later sealed the championship with a Clarett touchdown.
2010: A High‑Scoring Showdown in Columbus
In 2010, No. 12 Miami jumped ahead early, but Terrelle Pryor Sr. powered No. 2 Ohio State to a 36–24 win, accounting for nearly 350 total yards. The victory was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions, leaving the official record unchanged.
2011: Miami Dominates at Home
The Hurricanes controlled the 2011 rematch in Miami, rushing for 240 yards and holding OSU to just 45 passing yards in a 24–6 win. With Ohio State ranked No. 17 and Miami unranked, the result was considered a significant upset.
The Series Today: A 2–2 Deadlock With Everything on the Line
With Ohio State’s 2010 win vacated, the official series stands tied at 2–2. The Cotton Bowl offers the Buckeyes a chance to take a 3–2 series lead, while Miami seeks to reclaim national prominence with another postseason statement.
Both teams enter with elite defenses and high‑powered offenses, as highlighted by USA Today’s breakdown of All‑Americans and quarterback play on both sides.
Why This Cotton Bowl Matters More Than Ever
Ohio State’s Mission: Repeat as National Champions
The Buckeyes are the only team to appear in five of the last seven CFPs, all under Ryan Day. Their postseason pedigree is unmatched.
Miami’s Mission: Prove They’re Back
The Hurricanes’ first CFP win in program history has energized the fanbase and revived national expectations.
A Rivalry Renewed on the Biggest Stage
Nearly 23 years after their legendary championship clash, Miami and Ohio State meet again — this time with a semifinal berth on the line.
Final Thoughts: A New Year’s Eve Classic in the Making
This Cotton Bowl isn’t just a playoff game. It’s a collision of history, pride, and championship ambition.
Miami seeks validation. Ohio State seeks redemption. Both seek a path to the national title.
And on New Year’s Eve in Arlington, only one will move on.
