The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes will face off against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes in a highly anticipated playoff game on December 27, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 Eastern Time (18:30 local time). The matchup will be televised on ESPN, offering fans an exciting evening of college football.
Both teams come into this game with strong season records. Miami has achieved an impressive 11-2 overall, marking the program’s first appearance in the playoff and its first major bowl game since the 2017 Orange Bowl. In contrast, Ohio State boasts a record of 12-1, having spent much of the season ranked No. 1 before experiencing a setback against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Key Storylines and Matchup Insights
Miami’s recent victory over Texas A&M was marked by a strong defensive performance, though the offense struggled to find its rhythm. The Hurricanes will need to harness that defensive intensity against Ohio State, which has had a week to prepare after earning a bye for the playoffs.
The Buckeyes are led by head coach Ryan Day, who holds an impressive 82-11 record at Ohio State. Meanwhile, Miami’s coach, Mario Cristobal, has a 33-18 record with the Hurricanes and is looking to solidify his team’s stature in college football.
Three Critical Matchups to Watch
1. **Receiving Threats**: Miami’s defense must contain Ohio State’s dynamic receiver duo, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Both players provide quarterback Julian Sayin with elite passing options. Having recovered from injuries sustained earlier in the season, their performance could prove pivotal. If Miami struggles to limit their impact, the Hurricanes may find themselves in a challenging position.
2. **Offensive Strategy**: Miami needs to reintegrate star wide receiver Malachi Toney into their offensive scheme. In the previous game against Texas A&M, Toney was limited to just 22 receiving yards, a situation the Hurricanes cannot afford to repeat. His ability to create space and make explosive plays will be crucial for Miami’s chances.
3. **Protecting the Quarterback**: Miami’s offensive line must deliver strong performances to counter Ohio State’s formidable pass rush. Edge rusher Caden Curry has recorded 11 sacks this season, and Miami effectively contained Texas A&M’s All-American defensive end, Cashius Howell, in their last outing. However, slowing down Ohio State’s All-American defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, one of the best run-stopping linemen in the nation, will be an even greater challenge.
As Miami prepares to take the field against Ohio State, both teams will be vying for a victory that could define their season. With so much at stake, fans can expect a thrilling contest on Wednesday night.
