(Photo: Cotton Bowl)
College Football Playoff- Quarterfinals
(10) Miami Hurricanes at (2) Ohio State Buckeyes
Miami (11-2):
If you’re not a football purist, you more than likely didn’t enjoy that first-round game in College Station. I’m a defensive guy, and the former defensive end in me smiled from left to right watching that game. It was my type of battle from the first quarter all the way to the end. I’ll be honest—I didn’t know what to expect from Miami entering this matchup. During the regular season, they got off to such a strong start and faltered in between. Entering the game against the Texas A&M Aggies, the biggest key for the Hurricanes was how they would execute their game plan against Marcel Reed while limiting the production of KC Concepcion—and they did just that. Anytime Marcel dropped back in the pocket, he wasn’t given time to throw, and KC was effectively neutralized. After that big win, I said this was by far the best victory of the Mario Cristobal tenure and every coach has that signature win, this was his by far. That defensive performance on December 20th was reminiscent of the glory days—aggressive, physical, dominant, and athletic. When a group, from 1 through 11, is that locked in, it’s tough to beat them. Tonight, they kick off the second round against the defending champions.
Ohio State (12-1):
That loss in the Big Ten title game was somewhat reminiscent of last season, when they dropped the season finale at home against the Michigan Wolverines. I say that to say this: a loss can be the best thing to happen to a team because it forces you to regroup and adjust. Throughout the regular season, Ohio State was on cruise control, dominating most opponents with a balanced yet potent offense and a punishing defense—the best in the nation. In the conference title game against the Indiana Hoosiers, they got a taste of their own medicine and were punched in the mouth. Usually, teams that assert their physicality don’t enjoy having their own style used against them. Simply put: the bully doesn’t like to be bullied. I’m actually glad they were tested and pushed around in that game. No team is invincible, and no matter how good you are, anybody can be had. Now, there’s one thing I must say—the committee seeded the Ohio State Buckeyes incorrectly. There’s no way a team that lost its conference title game should be the No. 2 seed over two teams that won their conference championships (Georgia and Texas Tech). If anything, the Buckeyes should be the No. 4 seed. They return to AT&T Stadium to begin their title defense against the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami X-Factor: Malachi Toney
I remember watching him all the way back in Week 1 against Notre Dame, and I was immediately impressed. Malachi has been Carson Beck’s top target for obvious reasons. This is a very disciplined Ohio State secondary, but Malachi has the quickness, suddenness, and route creativity to force defenders to play in space. When I watch him, Malachi reminds me so much of T.Y. Hilton who played for the Indianapolis Colts. I’m not saying he needs ten catches to make an impact, but one or two explosive plays could flip momentum in favor of the Hurricanes.
Ohio State X-Factor: Carnell Tate
He’s waited for his opportunity and has taken full advantage of it. Whenever Jeremiah Smith was doubled, Carnell was the receiver Julian Sayin consistently targeted. He’s capable of taking any catch 50 yards. With Miami likely keying in on Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes’ running game, Carnell forces them to devote extra attention in coverage, which could prompt defensive adjustments. He also has a knack for showing up in big moments and whenever Julian has needed a receiver to make a big catch, he has delivered time in and out.
Final Thoughts:
I never thought I’d be able to preview this one, but here we are! The die-hard college football fan knows we’ve been overdue for this matchup, and tonight marks their first meeting since the epic 2003 National Championship game. This is such an intriguing matchup that I see coming down to the fourth quarter. Miami has the playmakers capable of producing breakaway plays, and Ohio State has the depth to respond. Early on, can Miami establish an efficient passing game and, most importantly, avoid turnovers? For Ohio State, can Julian Sayin connect on early throws to set the tempo? Tonight is when Miami’s defensive line must rise to the occasion and apply pressure on Sayin. Next, establish Mark Fletcher and show what kind of game this can be if the running game gets jump-started. Finally, keep Ohio State’s skill players underneath and don’t allow opportunities over the top. For the Buckeyes, it starts up front. Win early downs with the defensive line, collapse Carson Beck’s pocket, and offensively create push in the running game to stay balanced. One thing I’ve noticed about Miami is they can be vulnerable to big plays if forced to cover for extended stretches. If I’m Ohio State, I’d attack with play action downfield, get receivers in space against man coverage, and stretch the field to force Miami to adjust its box counts. Lastly, Ohio State must win early downs—stuff the run, force Miami into obvious passing situations, and let the pass rush get home on third and long. At least AT&T Stadium will see some postseason action this season.
