MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal spoke to reporters Tuesday as his team prepares to face No. 2 Ohio State, last year’s defending national champions, in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year’s Eve.

No. 10 Miami enters the national quarterfinal matchup riding momentum from a 10-3 gritty road win at Texas A&M, a game decided by a single touchdown.

Freshman Malachi Toney continued his historic season and scored the lone touchdown of the contest after fumbling earlier in the game. The Hurricanes’ defense made it stand by allowing just three points, recording seven sacks and forcing three turnovers, including a game-sealing interception by another freshman, Bryce Fitzgerald.

Cristobal said his team understands the challenge ahead against an Ohio State squad loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.

“They’re the defending national champions. They have elite talent, some really high caliber players, and just about in every category offensively and defensively, they’re 1,2,3,4,5 in the country,” he said. “They do a great job coaching. They’ve got great physical and mental toughness, and have played some elite football throughout the course of the season.”

The Hurricanes will look to carry their defensive intensity into Saturday’s game as they face one of the nation’s most complete teams with a spot in the national semifinals on the line.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is set for 7:30 p.m.