ARLINGTON, Texas – Miami has received a lot of attention for its standout transfer guards and dynamic offensive playmakers. But when the Hurricanes were at their zenith, the “U” was defined by physicality.
No. 2 Ohio State was the perfect stress test for the surging Hurricanes, fresh off their first playoff win. On the third play of the game, Ohio State's offensive line split like the Red Sea, and kraken-like defensive ends Reuben Bayne and Achim Mesidor broke through and forced the first of many sacks on Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin.
“It's just three and four,” defenseman Reuben Bain said. “That’s exactly what three and four do: play fast, play physical, just play that kind of football.”
Three and four in this case refer to Mesidore and Bane, the best cornerback combination in college football. And for the Hurricanes, the duo is a throwback.
No. 10 Miami didn't just beat Ohio State in one of the biggest upsets of the playoff era. They crushed them, turning their status as a 9.5-point underdog into a 24-14 victory over the defending national champions. The Hurricanes held the Buckeyes to a negative rushing yardage in the first half and rushed for more yards against Ohio State than any team since the season opener.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal is an offensive line coach by trade, and his physical presence permeates the entire program. The Hurricanes recruited and developed at an elite level in both trenches, building a consensus among all Americans on both sides. At a time when offensive lines are regressing nationally, Miami is only getting better.
“When you look at what we face every day, when we have success, that's my favorite period of practice,” defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman said. “It’s not exactly the same look you’re going to get, it’s not exactly the same formation, it’s not the same pitcher – but you see a fastball.”
Against Ohio State, both trenches were more than up to the challenge. The Hurricanes were chasing Sain from the start. After his sack in the first, the Buckeyes tried to go for a quick play, but Keyontae Scott jumped out of the route and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. The defense finished with five sacks, including three combined by Mesidore and Bane.
In the second half, Miami tried to use short passes and inside shots to take Miami's star forwards out of the game. But at a crucial point in the game, Ohio State was called for a play that prevented the score. Miami was able to put the game away with a field goal.
The Buckeyes have been the standard in college football for years. At the Cotton Bowl there was no question which team was more physical.
“They’re a good squad, they have good guys on their team,” Mesidor said. “But at the end of the day, if you give me and Ruben one on one, we’ll take advantage of it all day. I take us every time.”
In the final moments of the game, Miami's offensive line took over. Running back CharMar Brown came off the bench to gain 26 physical yards, adding to game MVP Mark Fletcher Jr.'s 115 all-purpose yards.
It was the second week in a row that Cristobal leaned on his signature offensive line and running game to get the job done. Once again, it led to the game-tying touchdown.
“We continue to get better and better,” Cristobal said. “We don't think we've achieved any success, but we definitely think we're getting better. When you play a team like this that has been the No. 1 defense in the country all year, you have to do it. And you have to not only hit, but be ready to take hits and keep pushing.”
Miami became the subject of controversy when it overtook Notre Dame for last place in the College Football Playoff rankings. With wins over No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 2 Ohio State, the Hurricanes proved they belonged.
In the next round, Miami gets the winner of Georgia vs. Ole Miss and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals. Coming off the program's biggest test in 20 years, Miami is ready to take on anyone it comes across.
“[Cristobal] told me we would get this program back to national championship status,” Fletcher said. “We’ll just continue to take it one game at a time.”
