Miami's defense could be a problem for Ohio State's offense in the Cotton Bowl. Here's why.
Ohio State is a powerhouse, boasting a talented roster that could see six players drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their offense has been dominant, cruising to an undefeated regular season with an average margin of victory of almost 24 points per game. However, their success against lower-tier defenses may not translate well against Miami's formidable defense.
Miami's defense is ranked between Indiana and Texas, with the Hoosiers at No. 3 and the Longhorns at No. 11. The Hurricanes have a top-tier pass rush, with Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain leading the charge, combining for 121 quarterback pressures, 25 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks this season. This is a significant improvement on Indiana's and Texas's pass-rushing units.
In addition to their pass rush, Miami's defense is also a top-tier run defense, ranking No. 9 in the country. This could be a problem for Ohio State, who averaged just 2.25 yards per rush against Indiana and Texas. Miami's defense has also been disruptive, forcing 23 turnovers this season, including 14 interceptions, which is tied for eighth-best nationally.
The Buckeyes' offense may struggle to find their rhythm against Miami's defense, which can throw them off their game and turn this into a low-scoring rockfight. Miami's defense has made life difficult for young quarterbacks this season, forcing seven turnovers against first or second-year quarterbacks at respectable programs. This could be a challenge for Ohio State's young quarterback, Julian Sayin, who is in his first year as a starter.
In conclusion, Miami's defense could be a problem for Ohio State's offense in the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes' pass rush and run defense, along with their ability to force turnovers, could throw the Buckeyes' offense off their game and result in a low-scoring game.
