ARLINGTON, Texas. — No. 10 Miami is preparing to face No. 2 Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Local 10 is highlighting the team’s journey with our Chasing A Championship special. Viewers can watch the special at 8 p.m. in the video at the top of this page.
The Hurricanes are coming off a 10-3 win over Texas A&M, a game defined by defense and the running game.
Miami finished with seven sacks, the most Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed has taken in a game this season. The Hurricanes’ 10 points were also the fewest scored by a winning team in College Football Playoff history.
Miami’s offense was led by running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed for a career-high 172 yards on 17 carries. His dominant performance was highlighted by a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter that set up receiver Malachi Toney’s game-winning touchdown.
Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman has reshaped Miami’s defense in his first season, turning it into one of the top units in the country. The Hurricanes feature several impact players, including defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., a projected first-round NFL draft pick.
Bain recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss against the Aggies. Fellow defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor also had a strong performance, finishing with 1.5 sacks and five tackles while consistently disrupting plays. Mesidor also generated 11 total pressures.
True freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald was another standout, intercepting two passes, including the game-clinching interception in the end zone. Miami’s defense delivered its best performance when it mattered most and aims to carry that momentum into the Cotton Bowl.
Miami’s path to an upset includes controlling the line of scrimmage with the running game.
Despite scoring only 10 points against Texas A&M, the Hurricanes leaned on the run in the second half. Fletcher, who has announced he will return next season, accounted for most of that production.
Limiting Buckeyes wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will also be a priority. Smith, a Miami Gardens native who played at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, has been one of the Buckeyes’ top playmakers.
Smith pulled in 80 catches for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. Tate finished the regular season with 838 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and remains a consistent scoring threat.
Meanwhile, Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal addressed keeping his team focused during his media availability on Tuesday.
“I think the schedule handles that. They’re up early and always getting in extra work in the preparation,” he said. “During the little free time that they have, seniors, upper-class, and leadership have to step up and make sure things are going the right way.”
Cristobal also spoke about quarterback Carson Beck, saying narratives developed due to his limited media presence at the time.
“Because he’s so quiet and didn’t have much time in front of the media, some narratives ran on their own,” Cristobal said. “He’s all about team and his teammates and his work ethic is off the charts. I have the utmost respect for him and trust in him and I think his best days are ahead of him.”
Turnover-free football will be critical for Beck.
Beck threw for 103 yards on 20 attempts in windy conditions against Texas A&M and did not commit a turnover. Avoiding mistakes will be key against Ohio State, as Miami enters the game as a 9.5-point underdog.
Smith acknowledged his recruiting ties to Miami earlier this week.
“I’d have probably ended up going to Miami if things were on track then and there,” Smith told reporters on Monday ahead of the Cotton Bowl. “But I chose to stick with Ohio State.”
Ohio State’s running game has also been effective. Bo Jackson surpassed 1,000 rushing yards while averaging more than six yards per carry. C.J. Donaldson leads the Buckeyes in rushing touchdowns with 10.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has posted strong numbers this season, completing 78% of his passes for more than 3,300 yards with 31 touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Buckeyes’ primary offensive concern has been their offensive line, particularly on the right side. Right guard Tegra Tshabola is not expected to play, and Gabe VanSickle is expected to replace him.
Ohio State last played Dec. 7, falling 13-10 to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. Miami hopes the Buckeyes’ time off works in its favor.
Kickoff for the Cotton Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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